3 6 march,2018 daily global regional local rice e newsletter

3-6 March,2018

Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Unedited Version

Global Rice Protein Market 2017 Segmented by Potential Applications March 5, 2018 - by amit.p

Rice Protein Market Report offers a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Global Rice Protein industry along with competitive landscape, Market share and revenue forecasts 2022. This report is a valuable source of guidance for companies and individuals offering Industry Chain Structure, Business Strategies and Proposals for New Project Investments.

The research report on the Global Rice Protein market provides a complete view of the market by assessing the impact of the technological advancements, changes in investment habits, and n-depth overview of Product Specification. The report also studies the various inhibitors as well as motivators of the Global Rice Protein market in both quantitative and qualitative manners in order to provide accurate information to the readers.

Key Players covered in this report: Axiom Foods, Shafi Gluco Chem, AIDP, Jiangxi Yiwanjia Organic Agricultural, OPW Ingredients, ‌,.

Get PDF Sample @ https://www.absolutereports.com/enquiry/requestsample/11517986 Global Rice Protein market research report utilizes a SWOT analysis as well as Porter‘s Five Forces analysis to reveal the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

The report uses the latter to identify the threat posed by new entrants to the Global Rice

Protein market, the threat of substitute products or services, and the overall scope of competitive rivalry.

Rice Protein Market: Type wise segment: Organic Rice Protein Isolate, Organic Rice Protein Concentrate, Others,.-; Rice Protein Market: Applications wise segment:Healthcare Food, Sports Nutrition, Beverage, Others, & more. Type wise and application wise consumption figures are given. With the help of supply and consumption data, gap between these two is also explained.

Geographical Segmentation of Rice Protein Market: North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, India.

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Punjab needs another Kairon; free power must stop: Rice revolution pioneer Gurdev Singh Khush Having spent much of professional life on developing high-yielding varieties at International Rice Research Institute at Manila, Prof Gurdev Singh Khush has won all top research awards, save the Nobel Prize.

PUNJAB Updated: Mar 06, 2018 10:16 IST

Ramesh Vinayak and Manraj Grewal Sharma Hindustan Times, Chandigarh

Currently, he is an adjunct professor at University of California, Davis, but Gurdev Singh Khush’s heart still beats for Punjab. (Sanjeev Sharma/HT )       

He hails from Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of legendary martyr Bhagat Singh. While the latter gave his life for India‘s freedom from the British, Prof Gurdev Singh Khush, as one of the pioneers of rice revolution, has played a stellar role in the world‘s freedom from hunger.

Having spent much of professional life on developing high-yielding varieties at International Rice Research Institute at Manila where his portrait adorns the main airport, Khush has won all top research awards, save the Nobel Prize.

Currently, he is an adjunct professor at University of California, Davis, but his heart still beats for Punjab. On his annual outing to his home state, the 84year-old spoke to Executive Editor Ramesh Vinayak and Senior Assistant Editor Manraj Grewal Sharma on challenges facing Punjab‘s agriculture, and the way forward. Excerpts: How do you define the crisis in Punjab’s agriculture?

Misuse of our resources is the root of the crisis. We have depleting water aquifers; the soil is no longer productive. We have taken out all the organic matter from the soil, it‘s down to 0.4% when it should be above 3%. Our nitrogen use efficiency has also gone down. Salinisation is affecting southern Punjab. Our farmers are using free electricity to pump more water than required. I spoke to Parkash Singh Badal when he was chief minister, about the need to stop free power (to farm tubewells), but he said he couldn‘t roll it back. Somebody has to bite the bullet and stop free electricity. Punjab

farmers can afford to pay their electricity bills. In the long term, climate change will also affect Punjab adversely. The Himalayas are heating up at double the rate of the rest of India. When the glaciers start retreating, we will start losing our water resources.

Why is farming no longer profitable?

Our productivity is stagnating due to the improper use of water and fertilisers, while the cost of production is going up every year. Punjab‘s farmers are in a bind. The crop production here is comparable with other countries, but, nationally, our productivity is much lower. Even Bangladesh has better rice productivity than us.

In a rather blunt message to the state, Niti Ayog has said it does not need Punjab’s foodgrains for national food security, and that farmers should be encouraged to sell their crops in the open market. What are your views?

This means the productivity of grains in eastern India and Madhya Pradesh is going up. The production of wheat in MP, for instance, is quite high. The demand for foodgrains is bound to fall after people reach a certain level of prosperity. People will then demand more vegetables, milk, and meat. We should start thinking of alternative crops right now, even though the switch may take several years. And we have to start reducing the area under wheat and paddy (rice).

“The state government incurs a bill of Rs 7,700 crore (a year) for free power. The state should not foot this bill.”

Can farmers be convinced to switch to other crops without an accompanying minimum support price?

The solution is to grow alternative crops. If you can provide MSP for other crops, it will be good. Wheat can be replaced with mustard. We import oil worth billions. Mustard is one crop that can reduce our imports.

You led international research that revolutionised the rice productivity the world over. But, ironically,rice is seen today as a villain of the piece in Punjab. Why? Yes, I have heard rice being blamed for all kinds of problems, including cancer, which is an exaggeration. But rice has caused the depletion of aquifers. We must reduce the area under rice from 3 million acres to 1.5 million acres in the next few years. North China faced the same problem, and the government finally put an end to rice production there. Soybean can be a good alternative to rice. It‘s an oil and protein crop, which is very productive and can yield an average of 4 tonnes an acre. I have been urging Punjab Agricultural University to breed a soybean variety that can be grown successfully in Punjab. Hybrid maize is also a good alternative as it is great feed for poultry and animals.

There is an indication that the central government may completely do away with MSP. What do you think about that?

If that happens, farmers will no longer be that determined to grow wheat and rice. Scrapping MSP may do some good.

Why has much-talked about diversification failed to take off in Punjab?

We have been hearing about diversification for several years but nothing has changed on the ground. Farmers continue to grow wheat and rice because of the MSP and high profitability. Punjab‘s agriculture owes its profitability to rice, and the state government gave free electricity; why would a farmer not grow rice!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to double farm income by 2022. Is that possible?

No, I don‘t think that will happen, because there are too many people dependent on agriculture and the farm sizes are too small to be profitable.

The only way you can double farm income is by moving a lot of people from farms. China did that by moving farmers with 1-acre landholding to construction industry and other fields. Major investments in livestock industry can make a difference but unfortunately we can‘t export meat.

What do you think of farm suicides?

I understand these are due to farm indebtedness, and that itself is due to two reasons. One, every farmers wants to buy a tractor even if his landholding doesn‘t justify it. I wonder why banks give loans to such small farmers

knowing that they don‘t need a tractor and wouldn‘t be able to repay the loan.

Also, there is the problem of unproductive loans due to the practice of ostentatious marriages, et al.

Capt Amarinder Singh’s Congress government came to power on the promise of farm debt waiver. Is that a solution?

They are doing this to get more votes. But where are they going to get the money for paying off this debt? I think it is not a solution but a political promise.

The Centre wants Punjab to club all the subsidies and pay them directly to the bank account of individual farmer. Will that work?

I don‘t know about other subsidies but, if this can stop free power, it will be a very important step. The state government incurs a bill of Rs 7,700 crore (a year) for free power. The state should not foot this bill. It‘s an unnecessary burden. No economist will agree to this. Where will be funds for any development if the government spends so much on free power? There should be meters on motors (tubewells).

Coming to tech generation, public investment in agriculture research was 0.8% at the end of the 12th Plan, but it was slashed to 0.4% in 20162017. What’s your take?

How can you double farm income without investing in research on new varieties? Then there is the national policy on not using GMO (genetically modified organism) crops even though these can improve farm productivity.

But someone in the government can‘t make up his mind. Very senior professors in the US have written to both former PM Manmohan Singh and the present PM Modi, but to no avail. GM mustard is excellent, but the government of India has not approved it even though it imports GM canola oil from Canada.

“Our schools can’t produce any scientists, but the government can bring about a change if it has the political will.”

What do you think of the role of Punjab Agricultural University in the present scenario?

PAU was one of the top universities of India with very good research; but it has declined. That is very unfortunate. Two-three years ago, the V-C did not even have funds to pay the salary or pension of his employees.

The share of agriculture in rural employment stands at 64%. Most farmers would like to quit given a choice. Why do Punjab youngsters want to go abroad instead of tilling the fields?

Our farms are so small that our youngsters don‘t want to work on them. Also, there is no industry left in Punjab. Be it Jalandhar, Batala or Goraya, industry has died because the government paid no attention to it. There is a problem of quality of governance.

What would be your advice to the Punjab government?

I think the Punjab government has to pay proper attention to PAU and ensure better research for diversification. If you can‘t stop free electricity at once, do it step by step. It is very important for the future of Punjab‘s agriculture. The state government is doing a great disservice to Punjab farmers by giving them free power. I hope Capt Amarinder will do away with it. The government must also improve the state of schools in villages. It is pitiable. Our schools can‘t produce any scientists, but the government can bring about a change if it has the political will. There are two big examples of what one good leader can do. Former chief minister Partap Singh Kairon introduced ‗murabbabandi‘ (land consolidation), while Lachhman Singh Gill built a network of link roads. We need another Kairon or Gill to improve the state of our agriculture and schools.

Why did you not join PAU as a vice-chancellor even though successive state governments approached you?

I didn‘t think I would be able to work with the politicians here. I don‘t think I could work under the conditions here. Also, I enjoyed my research so much that there was no reason for me to change my course.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/punjabneeds-another-kairon-free-power-must-stop-ricerevolution-pioneer-gurdev-singh-khush/story2dlSvvv4KO1bB9S28R5i8I.html

DA to build solar-powered irrigation at PhilRice Tuesday, March 06, 2018 THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is providing the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) solarpowered irrigation system to address its water supply woes. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, who visited the PhilRice station based in Barangay Cansilayan in Murcia, Negros Occidental last weekend, said he was dismayed upon learning that the average yield in at least 90-hectare experiment area is only five metric tons per hectare. Piñol said in his Facebook post that the yield they were getting is embarrassing to the DA, which is now targeting a national average yield of six metric tons per hectare. “Officials of PhilRice-Negros Occidental said they have a problem with water supply and they could hardly plant twice a year,” he added. Piñol said the solar-powered irrigation system for the PhilRice station in Murcia will be constructed this year. Before his visit to the PhilRice station in Murcia, Piñol went to the Rice Processing Complex at Barangay Tabunan in Bago City. After the briefing at PhilRiceNegros Occidental, Piñol visited a 2.5-hectare impounding dam being constructed to supply the farm with water from a nearby river. He said the plan is to use a diesel-powered engine to pump water from the river. The problem is that the operation of the pump would be very expensive and it could not fill the huge reservoir, the staff told Piñol. “Right there and then, I instructed DA Region 6 Director Remelyn Recoter to source available funds so that a solarpowered irrigation could be established in the area,” he said. Launched by President Rodrigo Duterte in Mlang, North Cotabato last year, the solar-powered irrigation system is now being introduced all over the country. It is cost efficient and effective since it does not use expensive fossil fuel, Piñol said. “Hopefully, next year, with the improved irrigation services, the PhilRice-Negros Occidental will become the center of excellence in rice farming that it should be,” the DA chief added. (EPN) Read more: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/business/2018/03/06/da-build-solar-poweredirrigation-philrice-592189 Follow us: @sunstaronline on Twitter | SunStar Philippines on Facebook

Global Frozen Glutinous Rice Ball market Research Report Released with growth, latest trends & forecasts till 2022 March 5, 2018 3 Min Read

Paul Walsh Add Comment Share This!

Questale has just released a comprehensive market research report for Global Frozen Glutinous Rice Ball Market. This report focuses on top players in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering Sanquan Food , General Mill and Synear . ―This report is a professional account, which gives thorough knowledge along with complete details pertaining to Global Frozen Glutinous Rice Ball Market. The research experts have evaluated the general sales of Global Frozen Glutinous Rice Ball Market and its revenue generation. Furthermore, it also gives extensive study of root market trends and many governing

elements along with improvements in the market in every segment., it contains diverse profiles of key market players such as Sanquan Food , General Mill and Synear .‖ – said a Spokesperson with Questale.

You can get free access to samples from the report here: https://questale.com/report/globalfrozen-glutinous-rice-ball-market-research-report-2018/257879 The potential of the products has been rigorously tested in conjunction with the key market challenges. The existing condition of the market and future prospects of this segment has also been studied. Furthermore, key market strategies, which include product developments, scope of product, and market strategies are also discussed. It constitutes quantitative and qualitative evaluation by industry experts, assistance from industry analysts, and first-hand data.

This research report for Global Frozen Glutinous Rice Ball Market explore different topics such as product scope, product market by end users or application, product market by region, market size for the specific product, sales and revenue by region, manufacturing cost analysis, Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers, Market Effect Factors Analysis, market size forecast, and more. The research gives a forecast for the Global Frozen Glutinous Rice Ball industry till the year 2022.

The research experts have evaluated the general sales of Global Frozen Glutinous Rice Ball Market and its revenue generation. Furthermore, it also gives extensive study of root market trends and many governing elements along with improvements in the market in every segment. Furthermore, it contains diverse profiles of key market players.

Mazor countries have a very crucial role in the global market and the latest report for Global Frozen Glutinous Rice Ball Market study the status of development and future trends in China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Southeast Asia & Australia. The report also splits the products by applications and by type to deeply and fully research and disclose the market situation and future prediction.

About Global Frozen Glutinous Rice Ball Market Research Report This report is vital for any player in the industry, thanks to the comprehensive outlook that is provided. Considering all the vital details that it encloses, it is important for any new player entering the arena so that they can get a good idea and study the market before making any crucial decision. The report will answer queries about the present market developments, opportunity cost, and more.

On product basis, each report shows the revenue (in USD), sales volume (K units), market share, product price (in USD per unit), and rate of growth of each kind. They are primarily divided into Type I , Type II and Mini Size .

https://tokenfolks.com/global-frozen-glutinous-riceball-market-research-report-released-with-growthlatest-trends-forecasts-till-2022/25756/

New Report Provides 2011-2018 Overview of Global Ready to Eat Rice Market March 5, 2018 3 Min Read

Justin Danneman Add Comment Share This!

Questale has just released a comprehensive market research report for Global Ready to Eat Rice Market.This report focuses on top players in global market, with production, price,

revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering Mars, Inc , Gu Long Foods and Gu Da Sao . ―This report is a professional account, which gives thorough knowledge along with complete details pertaining to Global Ready to Eat Rice Market. The research experts have evaluated the general sales of Global Ready to Eat Rice Market and its revenue generation. Furthermore, it also gives extensive study of root market trends and many governing elements along with improvements in the market in every segment., it contains diverse profiles of key market players such as Mars, Inc , Gu Long Foods and Gu Da Sao .‖ – said a Spokesperson with Questale.

You can get free access to samples from the report here: https://questale.com/report/globalready-to-eat-rice-market-research-report-2018/257889 The potential of the products has been rigorously tested in conjunction with the key market challenges. The existing condition of the market and future prospects of this segment has also been studied. Furthermore, key market strategies, which include product developments, scope of product, and market strategies are also discussed. It constitutes quantitative and qualitative evaluation by industry experts, assistance from industry analysts, and first-hand data.

This research report for Global Ready to Eat Rice Market explore different topics such as product scope, product market by end users or application, product market by region, market size for the specific product, sales and revenue by region, manufacturing cost analysis, Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers, Market Effect Factors Analysis, market size forecast, and more. The research gives a forecast for the Global Ready to Eat Rice industry till the year 2022.

The research experts have evaluated the general sales of Global Ready to Eat Rice Market and its revenue generation. Furthermore, it also gives extensive study of root market trends and many governing elements along with improvements in the market in every segment. Furthermore, it contains diverse profiles of key market players.

Mazor countries have a very crucial role in the global market and the latest report for Global Ready to Eat Rice Market study the status of development and future trends in China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Southeast Asia & Australia. The report also splits the products by applications and by type to deeply and fully research and disclose the market situation and future prediction.

About Global Ready to Eat Rice Market Research Report This report is vital for any player in the industry, thanks to the comprehensive outlook that is provided. Considering all the vital details that it encloses, it is important for any new player entering the arena so that they can get a good idea and study the market before making any crucial decision. The report will answer queries about the present market developments, opportunity cost, and more.

On product basis, each report shows the revenue (in USD), sales volume (K units), market share, product price (in USD per unit), and rate of growth of each kind. They are primarily divided into Indian Style , Chinese Style and Other Styles .

Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at:: https://questale.com/report/global-readyto-eat-rice-market-research-report-2018/257889 About Questale Questale is one of the leading agencies in the world to offer market research reports using globally acknowledged methodologies and innovative tech tools. It is known for providing some of the best-selling reports across an extensive range of industries, including aerospace & defense,

agriculture, automotive, consumer goods, food & beverages, cosmetic, construction, and electronics to name a few.

https://tokenfolks.com/new-report-provides-20112018-overview-of-global-ready-to-eat-rice-market/

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Long-Grain Rice Seed Market Sales Segmentation and Analysis by Recent Trends,

Development and Growth Factors by Regional Overview to 2022 March 5, 2018 - by Carol Harris

Long-Grain Rice Seed Market analysis of an industry is a crucial thing for various stakeholders like investors, CEOs, traders, suppliers and others. The Long-Grain Rice Seed industry research report is a resource, which provides current as well as upcoming technical and financial details of the industry.

Long-Grain Rice Seed market research report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of this market. In this report, the Global Long-Grain Rice Seed market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX millionby the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% till 2022. Major Manufacturers analysed in Long-Grain Rice Seed Market: Dupont Pioneer, Bayer, Nuziveedu Seeds, Kaveri, Mahyco, RiceTec, Krishidhan, Rasi Seeds, JK seeds, Syngenta, Longping High-tech, China National Seed, Grand Agriseeds, Dabei Nong Group, Hefei Fengle and many others.

Browse Detailed TOC, Tables, Figures, Charts and Companies Mentioned in Long-Grain Rice Seed Market @ http://www.360marketupdates.com/Long-Grain Rice Seed Further in the report, the Long-Grain Rice Seed market is examined for price, cost and gross.

These three points are analysed for types, companies and regions. In continuation with this data sale price is for various types, applications and region is also included. The Long-Grain Rice Seed industry consumption for major regions is given. Additionally, type wise and application wise consumption figures are also given.

The process is analysed thoroughly with respect three points, viz. raw material and equipment suppliers, various manufacturing associated costs and the actual process. Next part of the LongGrain Rice Seed Market analysis report speaks about the manufacturing process.

The report split global into several key Regions, with sales (Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Long-Grain Rice Seed for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering United States, China, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia and India.

Request for Sample of report @ http://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/requestsample/Long-Grain Rice Seed Some of major points covered in TOC:

Market Overview: Scope & Product Overview, Classification of Long-Grain Rice Seed by Product Category (Market Size (Sales), Market Share Comparison by Type (Product Category)), Long-Grain Rice Seed Market by Application/End Users (Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application), Market by Region (Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region, Status and Prospect (2012-2022)).

Long-Grain Rice Seed Market by Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application: Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Types & Applications (Sales and Market Share, Revenue and Share Volume and Value) Long-Grain Rice Seed Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data: Company, Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors, Product Category, Application and Specification with Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin, Main Business/Business Overview.

Long-Grain Rice Seed Market by Manufacturing Cost Analysis: Key Raw Materials Analysis, Price Trend of Key Raw Materials, Key Suppliers of Raw Materials, Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials, Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure (Raw Materials, labour Cost), Manufacturing Process Analysis Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers: Industrial Chain Analysis, Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing, Raw Materials Sources, Downstream Buyers Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders: Marketing Channel (Direct & Indirect Marketing), Marketing Channel Development Trend, Market Positioning (Pricing Strategy, Brand Strategy, Target Client), Distributors/Traders List Any Query on above? Ask to Our Expert @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/Long-Grain Rice Seed To provide information on competitive landscape, this report includes detailed profiles of LongGrain Rice Seed market key players. For each player, product details, capacity, price, cost, gross consumption and revenue is provided for better understanding.

In this Long-Grain Rice Seed market analysis, traders and distributors analysis is given along with contact details. For material and equipment suppliers also, contact details are given. New investment feasibility analysis is included in the report.

https://factsweek.com/208838/long-grain-rice-seedmarket-sales-segmentation-and-analysis-by-recenttrends-development-and-growth-factors-by-regionaloverview-to-2022/ Vietnam’s 2018 rice exports may rise to 6.5 mln tons: report

A man works at a rice processing factory in Vietnam's southern Mekong delta city of Can Tho. Photo by Reuters

That would be a 12 percent increase from 2017 exports.

Vietnam could export 6.5 million tons of rice in 2018, the Vietnam News Agencyreported on Sunday, citing a deputy agriculture minister as saying.

That would be a 12 percent increase from 2017 exports, according to Reuterscalculations.

Vietnam, the world’s third-largest rice exporter, exported 5.8 million tons of rice in 2017, up 20.4 percent from a year earlier and brought in $2.6 billion in exports revenue, customs data showed.

Author Name: A man works at a rice processing factory in Vietnam's southern Mekong delta city of Can Tho. Photo by Reuters That would be a 12 percent increase from 2017 exports. Vietnam could export 6.5 million tons of rice in 2018, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Sunday, citing a deputy agriculture minister as saying. That would be a 12 percent increase from 2017 exports, according to Reuters calculations. Vietnam, the world’s third-largest rice exporter, exported 5.8 million tons of rice in 2017, up 20.4 percent from a year earlier and brought in $2.6 billion in exports revenue, customs data showed.

Myanmar. Government to help in upgrade of rice quality as exports hit high

Myanmar will likely export at least 3.2 million tonnes of rice by the end of the current 2017-18 fiscal year by month-end taking rice exports to their highest level in 70 years, according to officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MOALI). “According to government estimates, we have exported 3.2 million tonnes of rice to this day (March 4). The numbers could increase if we continue exporting,” MOALI Permanent Deputy Secretary U Myo Tint Tun told The Myanmar Times on Sunday. The estimate was confirmed by Union Minister U Aung Thu, who quoted similar numbers during a farmers’ roundtable talk on March 2 in Danubyu, Ayeyarwaddy Region. However, Myanmar is still mainly exporting average-grade rice to China, implying that the country is still overly reliant on its neighbour. As such, the country should take steps to improve its rice quality for better value while expanding its market beyond China to diversify risk. While representing a step in the right direction, that move will see Myanmar farmers face stiff competition from existing high-grade rice exporting countries like Thailand, India and Vietnam. In that light, farmers at the roundtable sought government help to gain access to long term, low-interest loans, the lack of which is “the main hindrance to low rice productivity,” said Danubyu farmer U Thein Aung during the talk. “Farmers risk high losses because of weather changes, pests, volatile prices and other factors. On top of all that, we have to service high-interest loans to help pay off losses and as a result, our children have to work in large cities and foreign countries to repay the debt,” he said. The government recently raised the volume of loans available to farmers to K150,000 per acre of farmland from K100,000 before and is now enjoying the support of the Japanese in extending two-step loans to the sector. “The issue is when loan amounts increase, the burden on

farmers is much heavier in the event of default or losses due to weather changes or price fluctuations,� said U Hla Kyaw, deputy minister for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.

Author Name: http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/myanmar-government-to-help-in-upgrade-of-ricequality-as-exports-hit-high

West Bengal keen to promote premium quality rice: Minister West Bengal is keen to promote production and marketing of its two premium quality rice-- 'Tulaipanji' and 'Gobindabhog', besides making the aromatic and nutritious black rice more popular, state Agriculture Minister Ashis Banerjee said today.Replying to the debate on budgetary demands for grants of his department in the state Assembly, Banerjee said a major decision has been taken in this regard following good response from people in different agriculture fairs.The state government will work on the packaging and branding of rice to attract buyers in the domestic and global markets at a moderate price, the minister said.'Tulaipanji' is traditionally grown in Uttar Dinajpur (Kaliaganj, Raiganj and Hemtabad). It is estimated that about 16,000 ton of Tulaipanji paddy is produced every year in two Dinajpur districts of the state.It is a type of non-basmati, indigenous and aromatic rice. A key feature of it is that the grains can retain the aroma for around a year and beyond.'Gobindobhog' is a small-grained aromatic rice, and is popular in the domestic market for its good quality.Both 'Tulaipanji' and 'Gobindobhog' rice have received the prestigious GI tag, a mark of their specific geographical location or point of origin.The black rice of Bengal is also going to make a place in the market because of its anti-cancer attributes, Banerjee said.The black rice is currently grown across nine districts of the state.Elaborating on various programmes to improve the standard of living of farmers, Banerjee said their earnings in the state have increased from about Rs 91,000 per annum in 201011 to Rs 2,40,000 per annum in 2015-16.Besides, facilities like Kisan Credit Card and old-age pension have also make lives of farmers more secured and improved in the state, he said.In recognition of its achievements, the state has bagged the Centre's 'Krishi Karman Award' for the last five years at a stretch, the minister added.

Author Name: http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/west-bengal-keen-to-promotepremium-quality-rice-minister-118030501295_1.html Date: 05-Mar-2018

Strong baht likely slows rice exports Rice exports probably eased in February with the onset of the low season and the baht's continued strength after a surge to nearly 1 million tonnes in January. Charoen Laothamatas, president of the Thai... Please credit and share this article with others using this

link:https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/finance/1423002/strong-baht-likely-slows-rice-exports. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. Š Post Publishing PCL. All rights reserved.

Indian companies re-branding Pakistani rice fraudulently—REAP Claims

Acc ording to Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Indian companies are trying to rebrand Pakistan rice and export to Indonesia with their own label on it. REAP has called upon the ministry of commerce and urged them to take necessary action against this fraud which is being conducted by various Indian companies. REAP has also warned its members to be aware of these companies and avoid trade with them in order to stay away from illegal activities. Indonesian governmental body BULOG has disseminated rice procurement tender and awarded tenders to various countries including India, the contract winners are required to fulfill the order in 30 days, some Indian companies approached their trade partners in Pakistan for delivering Irri-6 in order to dispatch the consignment to Indonesia on time. Pakistan’s Irri-6 is much better in quality and price as compared to Indian Irri-6 therefore; Indian companies are asking Pakistani exporters for procurement of Irri-6. According to Senior Vice Chairman REAP, Rafique Suleman, Indian companies are approaching Pakistani exporters for procurement with the condition that they will not print anything on the rice bags. Rice collected from Pakistan will be exported to Indonesia with Indian brand name and address on it, which is extremely unlawful and illegal, it also hurts our name, REAP strongly condemns such acts, he

added. REAP has already sent letters to Federal Advisor on Finance Dr. Miftah Ismail, Revenue and Economic Affairs, Ministry of National Food Security & Research, Ministry of Commerce, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue FBR, Secretary Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Chief Collector Customs Enforcement, Collector Customs Exports and some others in order to take timely and necessary action against this development. Pakistani rice export has started progressing in the last couple of years and came out of the crisis with the efforts of Pakistani departments including REAP, the department is working hard for the betterment of Pakistani Rice Export globally but these kinds of fraudulent activities could hurt Pakistani rice exports the Chairman said. This is neither legal nor in the interest of Pakistan, authorities should not tolerate this matter and take it seriously, he added. He said, we have also asked the ministry of commerce about the status of Indian labeled rice which is actually Pakistani rice, they confirmed that it is 100% illegal and strict action would be taken against those who are involved in such activity. REAP is working hard to promote Pakistani Rice in international markets, REAP is to organize Biryani Festival on Pakistan Day March 23 which will be attended by a delegation from Mauritius, on one side REAP is promoting rice exports to the international audience and these illegal activities are being done in the background is not going to work together, we must protect our name and ensure transparency in exports.

Author Name: https://www.researchsnipers.com/indian-companies-re-branding-pakistani-rice-fraudulentlyreap-claims/ Date: 06-Mar-2018

German ambassador eats at a restaurant where even Pakistanis fear eating

Pakistan

by Haider Ali Sindhu | Published on March 6, 2018 ďż˝

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ISLAMABAD – The owner of Everest Pharmaceuticals, manufacturing spurious enhancement drugs, was arrested from the courtroom on the orders of the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The arrest came as three-member bench of the apex court, headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, heard a complaint filed by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) with its Human Rights Cell against the company.

The bench, during the hearing, initially ordered the suspension of Bahawalpur‘s Regional Police Officer (RPO) Raja Riffat who was accused of safeguarding and backing company‘s owner Chaudhry Muhammad Usman however, the court withdrew its order later and allowed RPO Riffat to serve until the next hearing scheduled on March 8. ‗Seal the factory and report the complaince in three hours‘ remarked the Chief Justice.

The apex court had ordered the Islamabad Police to ensure Usman‘s presence in court after he had remained absent during the previous hearing on March 2.

The complaintant had alleged Usman to have links with ‗powerful individuals‘. DRAP had also claimed that the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Punjab was threatening the officials of authority.

DIG Riffat Mukhtar sought permission to clarify his position, however, the court did not allow him to do so.

Dismayed by the insult, the official asserted that he deserved respect, however, the ‗furious‘ CJP negated his viewpoint and observed that he did not deserve respect owing to his activities.

The top judge also ordered the Federal Investigation Agency and National Accountability Bureau to scrutinise the assets of DIG.

Rice exporting March 05, 2018 SHARE : inShare

Previous Friday the rice exporters association of Pakistan Reap senior vice chairman Rafique Suleman pointed out that rice exports crossed the 1 billion dollar mark duration of first seven months of this fiscal year. Sharing data for the seven months period July to January of 2017 to 2018, he figure out that so far 2.28 million tonnes of rice amounting 1 billion dollar were exported against of 1.971 million tonnes, exports worth 820 for the same period of year ago. Just 29 percentage growth in the terms of value and 15 percentage in terms of quantity as the sector had been facing for last three year.

However, rice exporter hoped that in this fiscal year his target would be 4 million tonnes rice export. He said that Kenya is the largest importer of Pakistani rice as during the current total 284,000 tonnes of rice but just 102 dollar tonnes had been export to it. As the Reap official addressed that export to china, the second largest destination of Pakistani rice , were on the decline.

SAMMI MURAD,

https://nation.com.pk/05-Mar-2018/rice-exporting

interest rates Posted By: Tokunbo Ogunsami On: March 5, 2018 In: News, News Update

0

FacebookTwitterGoogle+PinterestLinkedIn WhatsApp The Federal Government has assured rice millers of plans to ensure reduction in interest rates paid on loans.

Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, who is the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Rice, gave the assurance at the weekend in Lagos at a stakeholders‘ meeting with Rice Distributors Association of Nigeria and Rice Millers.

He said the President Muhammadu Buhari administration would ensure rice availability and affordability.

Bagudu said: ―On the reduction of interest rates on loans requested by the millers, I think it is right. It will be done.‖ He said based on the contributions of stakeholders, it was apparent that what Nigerians wanted was not making subsidy available on rice production, but making it affordable

and accessible such that they could produce rice that would compete with imported ones. ―The mandate given to this task force, which is under the leadership of President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is to ensure the country has self-sufficiency in rice and wheat production. ―But so far, stakeholders within the value chain, either as farmers, distributors or millers are not talking about subsidy. What they are saying is that help us tell President Buhari that we will like to have rice at a competitive price with the so-called imported rice. This has to do with affordability. I can tell you that the President is committed to this,‖ the governor said.

He said the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) had responsibilities to discharge, adding that the government would intensify efforts in that regard.

National President of Rice Distributors Association of Nigeria Deaconess Olufunmulayo Akinsanya implored the Federal Government to assist millers in producing at a cost that could be afforded by the less-privileged.

Iyaloja-General Chief Folashade Tinubu Ojo said there is hunger in the land, urging governments to ensure efforts are intensified to make Nigerians feed well.

http://thenationonlineng.net/fed-govt-rice-millerswell-reduce-interest-rates/

UPLABS holds annual National Biotechnology Summit 2018

INQUIRER.NET BRANDROOM | MARCH 5TH, 2018

To continue its mission to raise awareness about biotechnology, the UP League of Agricultural Biotechnology Students (UPLABS), holds its annual National Biotechnology Summit (NBS), a four-day biotechnology awareness program, on March 5-9, 2018 at the University of the Philippines Los Banos.

This 2018, the National Biotechnology Summit, with the theme Turbulence: Treading the Water of Biotechnology, caters college students from different universities offering agriculture related courses to have the opportunity of strengthening their awareness and communication skills about the status of biotechnology in the country. The program will advance the delegates through different sets of activities such as seminars and workshops for better communication skills, community visit, and lab tours.

Seven universities all over the country, consisting of 25 delegates, participated in the program. To clearly introduce the delegates and their roles in the summit, at the same time, establish good relations among the participants, the event will start with two symposia, at the SEARCA Umali Auditorium, discussing ―Biotechnology in the Context of the Philippines‖ and the ―Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms‖. Before the day ends, the delegates will present their case studies related to the issues on biotechnology in the Philippines.

Different laboratory tours and activities will be presented to the participants the next day, including: artificial insemination in the Animal Science Cluster; wine-making and kimchi making in the Food Science Cluster; and, tour and simple hands-on laboratory experiments facilitated by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) and the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC); to broaden the delegates’ knowledge on the various fields of agriculture.

The last day will cover the Biotech Communications Training, at the IRRI auditorium, which is expected to enhance the participants’ creative approach on tackling ideologies and perspectives about biotechnology, through series of talks and interactive lectures.

This will then be followed by a Community Visit, wherein the delegates will be introduced to Trace College, to apply and develop the techniques they acquired from the Biotech Communications Training.

Concluding the program will be the Social’s Night at the Makiling Botanical Garden intended to develop the bonds between the delegates, partner institutions, and the host organization (UPLABS) as to strengthen shared visions and principles towards a national alliance formation.

Having its first successful installment of National Biotechnology Summit last August 2016, this year’s event is expected to keep up with the organization’s mission to further raise awareness about biotechnology, starting with college students, in the most efficient and intimate way possible.

The event is made possible with the help of several institutions namely Biotech Coalition of the Philippines (BCP), Department of Agriculture- Biotechnology Program Office (DA-BPO), Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCCAARRD), ISAAA, Philippine Seed Industry Association Inc. (PSIA), Universal Robina Corp.

(URC), Dupont Pioneer, Fisheries Biotech Center, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources- National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center (BFAR-NFFTC), Monsanto Philippines, PhilChema Inc., International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in AgricultureBiotechnology Information Center (SEARCA-BIC).

http://pop.inquirer.net/2018/03/uplabs-holds-annualnational-biotechnology-summit-2018/

Organic Rice Market Growth, Sales, Revenue, Consumptions, Market Analysis and Forecasts March 5, 2018 - by Rashmi

“Organic Rice Market examines the performance of the Organic Rice market 2023.

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The Market Research, besides estimating the Organic Rice‘ market potential till 2023, analyzes on who can be the market leaders and what partnerships would help them to capture the market share. The Organic Rice Industry report gives an overview about the dynamics of the market, by discussing various aspects such as drivers, restraints, Porter‘s 5 forces, value chain, customer acceptance and investment scenario Get a Sample of Organic Rice Market Research Report at: https://www.marketreportsworld.com/enquiry/request-sample/10778396 The following Companies as the Key Players in the Organic Rice Market Research Report 2017: Doguet‘s Rice Randallorganic

Sanjeevani Organics Kahang Organic Rice RiceSelect Texas Best Organics CAPITAL RICE YINCHUAN URMATT Vien Phu Organic Rice Market by Type and Application (2012-2017) Organic Rice Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017) Organic Rice Market Size by Type (2012-2017) Organic Rice Market Size by Application (2012-2017) Potential Application of Organic Rice in Future Top Consumer/End Users of Organic Rice Organic Rice Market Forecast 2017-2023 The Organic Rice industry research report analyses the supply, sales, production, and market status comprehensively. Production market shares and sales market shares are analysed along with the study of capacity, production, sales, and revenue. Several other factors such as import, export, gross margin, price, cost, and consumption are also analysed under the section Analysis of Organic Rice production, supply, sales and market status.

Key Points Covered in TOC: Organic Rice Market Research Report 2017 Organic Rice Market Competition by Manufacturers Organic Rice Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017) Organic Rice Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017) Organic Rice Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type Organic Rice Market Analysis by Application

Organic Rice Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis Organic Rice Manufacturing Cost Analysis Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders Market Effect Factors Analysis Place a Purchase Order For $ 3500 (Single User License) at: https://www.marketreportsworld.com/purchase/10778396 The Organic Rice Market report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years, the Report also brief deals with the product life cycle, comparing it to the relevant products from across industries that had already been commercialized details the potential for various applications, discussing about recent product innovations and gives an overview on potential regional market shares

Global Basmati Rice Market 2018 – Lakshmi Group, Pari India, DUNAR, Amar Singh Chawalwala TOPICS:Global Basmati Rice Market 2018Global Basmati Rice Market Size

Basmati Rice Global Basmati Rice Market 2018-2023 Global Basmati Rice Market report encompasses the overall and comprehensive study of the Basmati Rice market with all its aspects influencing the growth of the market. This report is rooted on the detailed quantitative and qualitative analyses of the global Basmati Rice market. A range of techniques and methods have been used to collect and analyze the data. The report acknowledges the need to stay updated in this competitive market conditions and this provides an all-inclusive data for making strategies and decision so as to boost the market growth and profitability.

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The report also encloses the analysis and estimate for the Basmati Rice market on a global as well as regional level. The research offers historical data along with the trending aspects and future estimates of the market growth. The report also consists of restraints and drivers for the Basmati Rice market together with the influence on the overall growth of the market.

This report focuses on the top players in global market – REI Agro Ltd, KRBL Ltd, LT Foods Ltd, Kohinoor Foods Ltd, Lakshmi Group, Pari India, DUNAR, Amar Singh Chawalwala, Golden Foods, R.S.Mills

Market segment by Regions/Countries – North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India Key Highlights of the Basmati Rice Market : • Full in-depth analysis of the parent market • Important changes in market dynamics • Segmentation details of the market • Former, on-going, and projected marketing research in terms of volume and price • Assessment of niche business developments • Market share analysis • Key methods of major players • Emerging segments and regional markets • Testimonials to companies therefore on fortify their foothold among the market.

Browse Complete Report With TOC Available @ www.mrsresearchgroup.com/marketanalysis/global-basmati-rice-market-2016-production-sales-supply.html What market factors are explained in the report?

The global Basmati Rice research report additionally provides in-detail forecast predictions supported this business trends and analytical techniques. The slight modification within the product profile results in major modification within the product model, production strategies and development platforms, these overall factors that are related to production are very well explained in the report.

Moreover, the Basmati Rice report also entails the market‘s key strategic developments consisting of research & development, new product launch, acquisitions & mergers, partnerships, agreements, joint ventures & collaborations, and regional growth of key participants in the market on the regional and global basis.

Additionally, the research assessed key market features, consisting of revenue, capacity utilization rate, capacity, price, gross, growth rate, consumption, production, export, supply, cost, market share, gross margin, demand, import, and CAGR. The report offers a wide-ranging study of imperative market dynamics and their latest trends, coupled with pertinent market segments.

The Basmati Rice report covers the precisely studied and evaluated data of the global market players and their scope in the market using a number of analytical tools. The analytical tools such as investment return analysis, SWOT analysis and feasibility studyare used to analyze the key global market player‘s‘ growth in the Basmati Rice industry.

The Basmati Rice report is a useful documentation that aids distributors, manufacturers, suppliers, customers, investors & individuals who are interested in this market. http://worldherald24.com/2018/03/05/global-basmati-rice-market-2018-lakshmi-grouppari-india-dunar-amar-singh-chawalwala/

Global Rice Flour Market 2017 – Burapa Prosper, Thai Flour Industry, Rose Brand, Cho Heng, Koda Farms

BY KYONGPITZER ON MARCH 5, 2018

The new independent research on titled Rice Flour Market include information on trends and developments, focuses on markets and materials, capacities, technologies and the changing structure (covering USA, EU, China, Japan, India and etc).The study gives better information about supply, demand, definitions, applications, classifications, industry chain overview, product specifications, industry policies and plans, cost structures, manufacturing processes, and many more.

The Market study gives data with n-number of tables and figures examining the Rice Flour, the research gives you a visual, one-stop breakdown of the leading products, submarkets and market leader‘s market revenue forecasts as well as analysis to 2023.The market is growing with technological innovation, competition and M&A activities in the industry are offering specific application products for varied end-users.

Request for Sample Report @ www.marketresearchstore.com/report/global-rice-flourindustry-research-report-2018-199060#RequestSample The study provides company profiling, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information of key manufacturers of Global Rice Flour Market, listed here are Burapa Prosper, Thai Flour Industry, Rose Brand, Cho Heng, Koda Farms, BIF, Lieng Tong,

Bob‘s Red Mill Natural Foods, Pornkamon Rice Flour Mills, Huangguo.The company profiles section, the report provides an overview of the players operating in the market, the strategies deployed by them to gain competitive advantage, the annual revenue generated by them in the historical years, and their relevant business segment revenue.

Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share and growth rate of Rice Flour in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific etc and its Share and CAGR(%) for the forecasted period 2017 to 2022.

Global Rice Flour Market Split by Product Type such asRice Flour, Brown Rice Flour, Glutinous Rice Flour, Others Further the research study is segmented by Application such as Rice Noodle and Rice Pasta, Sweets and Desserts, Snacks, Bread, Thickening Agent, Others The research study on Rice Flour Market offers key highlighting points : 1) Provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market.

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Inquiry for Buying Report @ www.marketresearchstore.com/report/global-rice-flour-industryresearch-report-2018-199060#InquiryForBuying In conclusion, Rice Flour market report presents the descriptive analysis of the parent market supported elite players, present, past and artistic movement information which is able to function a profitable guide for all the Rice Flour Industry business competitors.Our expert research analyst‘s team has been trained to provide in-depth market research report from every individual sector which will be helpful to understand the industry data in the most precise way.

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Rice Flour Market 2017

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http://cherrygrrl.com/2018/03/05/globalrice-flour-market-2017-burapa-prosperthai-flour-industry-rose-brand-cho-hengkoda-farms/Organic Rice Market Growth, Sales, Revenue, Consumptions, Market Analysis and Forecasts March 5, 2018 - by Rashmi

“Organic Rice Market examines the performance of the Organic Rice market 2023.

It encloses a complete Research of the Organic Rice market state and the competitive landscape. This report analyzes the potential of market in the present and the future prospects from various viewpoints in detail.”

Description Organic Rice Market Research Report provides an in-depth analysis of the major Organic Rice industry leading players along with the company profiles and strategies adopted by them. This enables the buyer of the report to gain a telescopic view of the competitive landscape and plan the strategies accordingly. A separate section with Organic Rice industry key players is included in the report, which provides a comprehensive analysis of price, cost, gross, revenue, product picture, specifications, company profile, and contact information.

The Market Research, besides estimating the Organic Rice‘ market potential till 2023, analyzes on who can be the market leaders and what partnerships would help them to capture the market share. The Organic Rice Industry report gives an overview about the dynamics of the market, by discussing various aspects such as drivers, restraints, Porter‘s 5 forces, value chain, customer acceptance and investment scenario Get a Sample of Organic Rice Market Research Report at: https://www.marketreportsworld.com/enquiry/request-sample/10778396 The following Companies as the Key Players in the Organic Rice Market Research Report 2017:

Doguet‘s Rice Randallorganic Sanjeevani Organics Kahang Organic Rice RiceSelect Texas Best Organics CAPITAL RICE YINCHUAN URMATT Vien Phu Organic Rice Market by Type and Application (2012-2017) Organic Rice Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017) Organic Rice Market Size by Type (2012-2017) Organic Rice Market Size by Application (2012-2017) Potential Application of Organic Rice in Future Top Consumer/End Users of Organic Rice Organic Rice Market Forecast 2017-2023 The Organic Rice industry research report analyses the supply, sales, production, and market status comprehensively. Production market shares and sales market shares are analysed along with the study of capacity, production, sales, and revenue. Several other factors such as import, export, gross margin, price, cost, and consumption are also analysed under the section Analysis of Organic Rice production, supply, sales and market status.

Key Points Covered in TOC: Organic Rice Market Research Report 2017 Organic Rice Market Competition by Manufacturers Organic Rice Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017) Organic Rice Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017) Organic Rice Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type

Organic Rice Market Analysis by Application Organic Rice Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis Organic Rice Manufacturing Cost Analysis Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders Market Effect Factors Analysis Place a Purchase Order For $ 3500 (Single User License) at: https://www.marketreportsworld.com/purchase/10778396 The Organic Rice Market report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years, the Report also brief deals with the product life cycle, comparing it to the relevant products from across industries that had already been commercialized details the potential for various applications, discussing about recent product innovations and gives an overview on potential regional market shares https://thefinancialconsulting.com/organic-rice-market-growth-sales-revenueconsumptions-market-analysis-and-forecasts/222862/

IRRI to set up Regional Innovative Centre in Nellore THE HANS INDIA |

Mar 04,2018 , 03:55 AM IST

IRRI scientists inspecting groundnut crop at Pothireddypalem in Kovur mandal on Saturday

Nellore: International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is going to set up its Regional Innovative Centre in the district and for which a team of scientists from the institute visited proposed sites in and around Nellore on Saturday. Dr Matthew Morrell, Director General of IRRI, along with his team members inspected the lands for the proposed Regional Centre.

Vice Chancellor of Acharya NG Ranga Agriculture University V Damodar Naidu and District Collector R Mutyala Raju also accompanied the team of scientists for inspecting the lands at Pothireddypalem in Kovur mandal and at Narikellapalli panchayat under Muthukur mandal.

They interacted with local farmers in Narikellapalli village and enquired about groundnut crop being cultivated by the farmers. Dr Matthew Morrell enquired the farmers about yielding status of the crop. Further, the team of scientists visited Agriculture Research Station in Nellore and

collected information about rice varieties developed by ARS scientists.

They said the team was visiting to conduct a study on possibilities for setting up the Regional Innovative Centre as part of the MoU with the State government.

The MoU was inked with the State government in the presence of the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu along with Agriculture Minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy at Amaravati on Friday. The Director General of IRRI has in principle agreed to establish an IRRI Regional Innovation Centre in Andhra Pradesh. Earlier, Agriculture Minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy visited the IRRI head office in Manila, Philippines, with a team of officials.

IRRI had already entered into an agreement with the Agricultural University to train its scientists, economists and statisticians in March last. It has already entered into an agreement to establish a satellitebased rice monitoring system in one of the campuses of the agricultural universities. Further, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved the establishment of IRRI, South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) at campus of National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC) in Varanasi. And, this would be the Regional Centre in South India.

Collector R Mutyala Raju explained to team members about the feasibilities to set up Regional Centre in the district. Team of scientists included Nafees Meah, Aravind Kumar, Aldas Janaiah, Vikas Kumar Singh, Rubina Nisht, APIIC Chairman P Krishnaiah and Nellore RDO D Haritha were also present. http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-03-04/IRRI-to-set-up-RegionalInnovative-Centre-in-Nellore/363247

Group pushes liberalized rice imports By: Doris Dumlao-Abadilla- Reporter / @philbizwatcher Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:04 AM March 06, 2018

A group of prominent economists urged Malacañang to fully liberalize rice trade in the country, especially at this time that prices of the household staple are surging past reasonable levels, thereby hurting the poor.

The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF)called for an end to the legal monopoly of the National Food Authority (NFA) to import rice. ―If private traders can freely import rice, they can quickly respond more to the needs of the rice market. The price of rice in our rice-exporting neighbors is about half the domestic price of rice. There is no reason why rice prices should become unstable and rise since there is plentiful supply from our neighboring countries that can be easily tapped by our private traders,‖ FEF said in a statement.

FEF agreed with Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol that there were rice traders in the market who manipulate the price whenever the market became vulnerable. ―Private rice traders start delaying the release of their stocks hoping that another week‘s wait can give them a few more millions of pesos in profit, inducing a shortage for the price to start rising. When other traders learn about it, some of them follow, hoping to get more profits. If the DA secretary does not check this herding behavior quickly, a rice price spiral happens at the expense of the poor,‖ the group said. ―Price manipulators may exploit the situation but they cannot sustain their price speculative attack if the NFA stock to total stock ratio is just right,‖ FEF said.

―However, this is not the case. This year started with a very low stock ratio. The average ratio in 2017 was only 10.3 percent. In years when the rice price is relatively stable, total NFA stocks are about 30 percent. In 2010, when the NFA warehouses were overly stocked with rice, the ratio averaged 52 percent,‖ it said.

The NFA maintains rice stock for 30 days at the start of the three-month rice lean season of July to September, and for 15 days at any time for emergencies and natural calamities.

In 2017, when the country experienced the Marawi City siege and the eruption of Mayon volcano, the group noted that the NFA had to move rice stocks to these areas, depleting its inventory. FEF lamented that the NFA management did not restock its emergency rice inventory to 15-day level and that it was only now when prices had moved up that NFA management sought the President‘s clearance to import 250,000 metric tons. ―The low level of NFA stocks makes the rice market vulnerable to price manipulation by rice traders. This happens if there is monopoly in rice imports,‖ FEF said.

Read more: https://business.inquirer.net/247135/group-pushes-liberalized-riceimports#ixzz58xex8RFE Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook https://business.inquirer.net/247135/group-pushes-liberalized-rice-imports

Let’s rise for rice

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Published March 5, 2018, 10:00 PM

Tonyo Cruz

By Tonyo Cruz

Rice has become very expensive in the past years, but especially now under President Duterte.

The government has tried to deflect the issue by launching a campaign against waste of rice. It is as if there‘s a national trend where we willingly throw away precious rice, order beyond what we could consume, or have the means to buy lots of rice only to throw them most of them away.

Enter Bantay Bigas, which tries to pierce through the fake news of tarrification and importation preached by the government as the solutions to high rice prices and low rice supply.

Cathy Estavillo says ―rice tariffication is not the solution for the rice crisis happening now in the country. In fact, flooding of imported rice in the local market will lead to our farmers‘ bankruptcy and displacement from their lands. It will put our farmers at a disadvantage, especially that the government has minimal support for our rice farmers and the entry of the imported rice may coincide with the harvest season.‖ Bantay Bigas also denounces as fake and artificial the National Food Authority‘s claims that there‘s a rice shortage, and that it is nothing more than a concocted justification for the recent increases in rice prices and for importing 250,000 metric tons of rice.

Rice prices are rising because of a combination of factors beyond the control of farmers and consumers, and yet well within the powers of government to rein in but won‘t.

One reason is that the government is mind-conditioning us about the removal from the market of the P27 NFA rice and the switch to P38 Department of Agriculture commercial rice.

This two-step combo is consistent not with making sure the poorest Filipinos, including minimum wage earners and even farmers, get access to the national staple. It is arguably more consistent with rice hoarding, price and supply manipulation, importation and tarrification.

Lowering the price of rice nationwide should be fairly easy, if only the government cracks down on big landlords, the inutile NFA, illegal rice importers, and rice smugglers.

The first step: Instead of pampering the big landlords, big rice traders, and big rice importers, the government should increase local palay procurement and buy from farmers at better prices. This solves many problems for farmers and removes business opportunities from those who fleece consumers with expensive rice prices.

The second step: Government should abolish the rice syndicate starting with rice traders who cheat farmers, hoard rice and fix rice prices, and their partners who smuggle rice. At the same time, revamp the NFA and the DA to make them work for both the farmer and the consumer.

The third step: Government should provide appropriate support services and subsidies to local rice farmers, instead of pampering the big landlords who manage rural economies solely for their own, selfish benefit.

The fourth step: Government should stop promoting the massive land use and crop conversion that limit the areas devoted to rice farming and consequently rice production. Liberalizing agriculture since GATT and WTO has not brought us the promised lower food prices and adequate food supply. It has only enriched a few, and made the country insecure in terms of food.

The fifth step: Genuine agrarian reform and development of the rice industry. Farmers should be freed from archaic feudal bondage through land reform. There‘s no more excuse for it in 2018. It would enable them to freely work with entrepreneurs, scientists, academics, and other professionals in developing the rice industry towards national food security, lower prices, higher yield, and so on.

These are mostly proposals from the National Federation of Peasant Women and the Peasant Movement of the Philippines, the country‘s biggest peasant organizations, backed by pro-farmer and pro-consumer experts and advocates in Bantay Bigas. Every Filipino consumer should endorse these sensible steps.

Up to the early 1970s, the Philippines was among the world‘s top rice producers and the nation enjoyed adequate rice supply and low rice prices. But starting with Marcos and continuing with the post-Marcos regimes, governments have systematically neglecting farmers and consumers in favor of Big Landlords, land use converters, crop switchers, rice traders and smugglers along the line of neoliberal economics.

They coalesced to commodify and commercialize the national staple, saying the wave of the future means abandoning rice farming, switching to cash crops for export, and depending on cheaper imported rice and other food imports. That‘s the package of neoliberalism‘s bitter prescriptions and false promises for you and me.

The current situation under neoliberalism: extra white rice at P30 per serving at fastfood restaurants, upwards of P50 per kilo in palengkes and supermarkets, and at the same time massive poverty among farmers in the provinces. Who profits from this state of affairs, and who would score a windfall under tarrification and rice importation? Definitely not the farmers and consumers.

Amid all these, the government and apologists for neoliberalism blame the farmer for being supposedly lazy and the consumer for being allegedly wasteful. Nice try.

―Itaas ang presyo ng palay, ibaba ang presyo ng bigas‖ are demands that don‘t make sense to both the academic philistines and the leaders of a feudal Philippine economy. But for farmers and consumers, they are demands that make perfect sense and compel the nation to alter the absurd realities in agriculture since the time of Marcos to the present Marcosian pretender.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/05/lets-rise-for-rice/

Ogbeh and Thailand‘s rice export

by Editorial | March 6, 2018 12:45 am https://www.businessdayonline.com/ogbeh-thailands-rice-export/

Let traders

import rice freely–experts By Cai Ordinario March 4, 2018

Local economists called on the Duterte administration to remove the legal monopoly of the National Food Authority (NFA) to import rice if it wants to stabilize the price of the staple.

According to economists belonging to the Foundation of Economic Freedom (FEF), it is only when the government is given the sole authority to import the staple that the Philippines faces periodic situations of unstable supply with rising rice prices.

“If private traders can freely import rice, they can quickly respond more to the needs of the rice market. The price of rice in our rice-exporting neighbors is about half the domestic price of rice,” the FEF said in a statement sent over the weekend.

“There is no reason rice prices should become unstable and rise since there is plentiful supply from our neighboring countries that can be easily tapped by our private traders,” it added.

The FEF also said the NFA is “at fault for giving the rice cartel room to manipulate rice prices” simply because it failed to immediately import rice when its stockpile started to go down below the required 15-day level.

The economists said the NFA did not restock its emergency rice inventory to the required 15-day level in case of emergencies and natural calamities. This despite the the Marawi City siege and the eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay.

The FEF said the rice stock in NFA warehouses caused rice traders to get “greedy” and raise rice prices to P40, P45, P50 or P60 per kilogram (kg), depending on the quality.

The group noted that it was only at this time when the NFA sought the President’s clearance to import 250,000 metric tons of rice to beef up its supply, a move that would have been more effective if done sooner.

Last month the NFA said it sought the NFA Council’s (NFAC) go signal to import rice as early as November.

“If the NFA had the stocks, NFAC Chairman Leoncio Evasco can address this issue by injecting more NFA rice into the market. But without adequate stocks, NFA cannot effectively bring down the price. Accordingly, the poor will have to pay more for the rice,” FEF said. “This shows that behind every attempt by the rice cartel to manipulate rice price is a mistake of the NFA.” Earlier, senators urged the government to raise the support price of the NFA. The increase in its buying price aims to encourage farmers to sell their harvest to the food agency.

National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Undersecretary for Planning and Policy Rosemarie G. Edillon, however, said that apart from the indebtedness of the NFA, increasing the support price of the NFA would accelerate inflation.

Also, prices become volatile whenever the NFA imports rice and then floods the market with cheaper rice. This causes commercial rice prices to decline steeply.

While it has yet to run the estimates of how much a P1 to P3 hike in NFA support price will impact on inflation, Edillon said it is likely that the Nedawould thumb down proposals to increase it.

FacebookTwitterGoogle+PinterestTumblrGoogle GmailWhatsAppKindle ItViberYahoo Mail

https://businessmirror.com.ph/let-traders-import-rice-freely-experts/

Last week Friday at the meeting of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) and the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers of Nigeria (FEPSAN) presided over by president Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja, minister of agriculture, claimed Nigeria‘s reduced rice import from Thailand has decline by about 95 percent and has led to the collapse of seven rice mills in Thailand and raised unemployment rate to four percent in the country. Ogbeh was quoted as saying: ―… two weeks ago, the Ambassador of Thailand came to my office and said to me that we have really dealt with them…But I asked what did we do wrong and he said unemployment in Thailand was one of the lowest in the world, 1.2 per cent, it has gone up to four per cent because seven giant rice mills have shut down because Nigeria‘s import has fallen by 95 per cent on rice alone. ―So, Mr President we thank you for the support and we thank all the agencies and those of you in the private sector for your resilience…‖ Even the president recently claimed that Nigeria‘s rice import was down by 90 percent and that rice import will be completely stopped this year to encourage local production.

However, a simple check reveals that both the president and minister of agriculture were greatly mistaken and the figures they advertised are not true.

First, Thailand‘s rice export has been on a continuous growth trajectory, reaching a record high of 11.2 million tonnes last year. Data shows rice exports grew at 37.2 percent year-on-year.

Information available on the Rice Exporters Association of Thailand website shows Nigeria‘s import of rice for the last three years has been negligible – 58, 260, 644, 131 and 23, 192 metric tonnes in 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Second, the unemployment figure in Thailand stands at 1.3 percent as at January 2018. So, it is neither true that rice mills have been shut down due to Nigeria‘s low imports nor that unemployment figure has gone up to four percent in Thailand. Even if we are to believe the minister that Thailand‘s ambassador made that claim, he has a responsibility to cross-check and not make claims that are obviously false and which makes a mockery of us as a country.

Although the government has been claiming success and taking the glory for reducing rice imports, the reality is more nuanced and doesn‘t cover us in glory like the minister and president want us to believe. Rice importation through the land borders have been banned since 2015 and can only be brought in legally through the ports at a discouragingly high tariff of 70 percent. So, technically Nigeria has banned rice importation.

However, as legal importation to Nigeria drops drastically, neighbouring countries such as Benin, Cameroun, Niger and others have greatly increased their import of parboiled rice, which ironically, is consumed only in Nigeria.

Data by the Thai Rice Exporters Association shows that Benin Republic‘s imports from Thailand from January to November 2017 stood at 1.64 million metric tonnes, a 32 percent increase from 1.24 million metric tonnes within the same period in 2016, and an increment of 104.45 percent from 805,765 metric tonnes exported to Benin republic in 2015. Cameroun also imported 663, 667 metric tonnes of parboiled rice from Thailand between January and November 2017, a 47.64 percent increase from 449, 513 within the same period in 2016, and 449, 297 metric tonnes in 2015. It is safe to say that most of the imports to these countries end up in the Nigerian market through smuggling.

An investigation carried out by BusinessDay some months ago also shows that smuggling is rife along the official border points and despite the claim that rice importation is banned through the borders, traders continue to import the commodity through official border points usually after settling customs officials. To add to our woes, the price of the smuggled rice are way lower than those of locally produced rice, which means the problem will remain with us for a long time to come.

It is noteworthy that the government wants to ensure self-sufficiency in rice production. But this must

be done in the right way and with regards to the realities on the ground. The bandying of false data and official import figures the reality will continue to make a mockery of us as a country.

Nigeria: Inside the Lagos Rice Market Tagged:      

Agribusiness Food and Agriculture Business Commodities Nigeria West Africa

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By Sunday Ehigiator

Sunday Ehigiator who was at the popular Daleko rice market recently, gives insight into why most Nigerians patronise foreign rice instead of the local variety.

One cannot ignore the welcoming embrace of the bad road and uncompleted buildings while entering the popular Daleko Market, especially after a rainy day.

With over decades of being in existence, it has fully transformed from how it used to be into a well structured environment, harbouring Mosques, Churches and several big name banks in Nigeria.

Speaking with THISDAY, a long-time rice dealer in the market who pleaded anonymity said, reconstruction of the market started several years ago, but the annex part of the market was completed about a couple of years ago by the past administration. But the major parts of the market are still under construction as she called on concerned authority to speed up the construction process, adding that they are at risk selling under uncompleted buildings.

Commenting on the cheap prices rice is sold in the market as compared to other places within the country, she said "before recession it used to be cheaper than it is now. A bag of rice was as cheap as N9,000, half bag for N4,500, a paint rubber for N700 and a derica for N200 or even less. But now, we sell Caprice for N13,900 and Tomatoes brand rice for N13,700."

Aside recession, the recently experienced increase in the price of rice could as well be linked to President Muhammadu Buhari's New Year Day's declaration of his intents to stop rice importation this year, to encourage Nigerians to patronise Nigeria-Made rice, and also the frequent closure of Benin Republic, Cotounou border, which causes rice-crossers to resort into smuggling of the products into the country.

Narrating their ordeals, a clique of rice-crossers who gave their views anonymously, explained that they resort to smuggling of the products whenever borders are closed. And this cost them more days on the road, thereby translating to spending more on feeding and fuelling their vehicles. This makes them charge dealers more in bringing in the goods for them. And if they solely buy and bring in goods into the country by themselves, they charge dealers a bit higher than they would normally charge should it be that they were contracted by dealers to cross in goods for them.

When asked how much they charge dealers to bring in goods into the country, they were reluctant to disclose any certain amount but speculated around 4,000 to 5,000 CEFA, and maintained that they currently sell a bag of rice to dealers in Daleko for N12,700, adding that they charge dealers for the expenses incurred while bringing in the goods, while the dealer adds his/her own incurred expenses in moving the goods from the point of purchase (either across border or within the country) to his/her warehouse/shop, then use it as an integral determinant of the price of the product before selling to wholesalers or retailers.

According to them, this is the reason why the final consumer suffers more in the supply chain.

Sharing her thoughts on why she prefers to shop for rice at Daleko Market, other than any other market she can get the commodity, a consumer Mrs. Abibat Afolayan said, "Traders in any other market around Lagos and even outside Lagos come here to buy rice because it is cheaper here. I have an occasion next week and I need about four bags of rice, I can only get it cheaper here since it is even close to my house and would also get it at the rate it is sold to wholesalers."

Another consumer who came to buy the product, Mr. Anthony Ogana has this to say, "Rice is cheaper here than any other place in Lagos State, so I prefer to drive down here to buy it

whenever I need it in large quantity. I think the only place you can get rice cheaper than Daleko Market is when you travel around the border area, somewhere like Idiroko, or Imeko and maybe Badagry."

Asked why he bought foreign rice instead of the Nigerian-made rice? He responded using sarcasm with a big grin on his face and said, "My brother, try going to price our rice, you are also a Nigerian, so it is our rice. Try going there and price the rice and you would find out that it is too expensive, it is not rice meant for poor man. And if you eventually buy it, cook it and eat it, then tell me if you would feel proud of yourself." He concluded that the rice is not as good as foreign rice, and it is sometimes stony and takes longer time to cook.

Another consumer Mrs. Feyitomi Michael said, "There was this time I bought it (local rice) once for my family but the experience was so bad. My husband complained bitterly of stones and we abandoned it. We didn't even finish eating the half bag I bought; it is still at home wasting. Another thing is that it doesn't scent well after cooking it. You know, if you are cooking Caprice or Tomatoes rice, even somebody far from where you are cooking it can easily know that you are cooking rice. But this one, I can't even explain how the thing dey' scent." So she concluded with laughter.

Though obvious that foreign brands of rice are better packaged and enjoyed among Nigerians as compared to local rice, the reasons could presumably be attributed to limited technology in its production and ironically; its high quality processing, in the sense that; it is not over parboiled as compared to foreign rice. This makes it retain more nutrients after production, and explains why its colour is not as bright as that of foreign brands when compared.

From findings, a bag of Mama's Pride rice (as earlier believed, before the twist that followed), is sold at the rate of N15,500 and half bag for N7,800 in Daleko Market. This is against the prices for a bag of Caprice and Tomatoes Rice which goes for N13,900 and N13,700 respectively, and their half bags are sold for N6,950 and N6,850 apiece.

Mama's Pride rice is Nigeria-Made rice sold in Daleko Market, along with other foreign brands. It is made by Olam Nigeria Limited. From subsequent findings, it was revealed that no Nigerian rice has been brought to or sold in Daleko Market for some months ago or currently selling in Daleko Market at the moment.

However, there seems to be some set of shady dealers who derive delights in misleading and exploiting the unsuspecting public in the market by packaging mixtures of other brands of rice into the bag of Mama's Pride. Thereby, sending a wrong impression that the product is too expensive in the market and perhaps the most expensive of all brands of rice.

Speaking with THISDAY, another rice dealer by name Christian, said that "there is no Nigerian product available in this market for some months now. What people see outside with some dealers or probably retailers at the first line of shops in Daleko Market are not Nigerian rice. They just mixed different types of rice together and put it inside Nigerianmade brands and sell to customers. They even do same for Caprice and Tomatoes and sell it cheaper to unsuspecting members of the public. The most expensive brand of rice in the market now is Special Rice from Thailand sold for N14,500. And it is not the same as the Special Rice that we used to have long ago that is made in Brazil, because that one is no longer in existence."

He concluded by saying that "to know an original rice that wasn't mixed or re-baged, just look at the threads that they seal the bag with (showed THISDAY the original way of sealing bag), if it is not like this, know that it has been tampered with, and don't buy it. I can take you to where they sell empty bags of these different products that are not in the market again and others that are still in the market; look at that other shop; do you see those empty bags they covered with nylon? (Shows THISDAY) That's one of the places they buy from."

The President of Nigeria, Buhari, had on his New Year Day's speech promised to stop the importation of foreign rice this year, and make available on Nigerians dishes, fresher and more nutritious local rice. In his words, "... Two years ago I appealed to people to go back to the land. I am highly gratified that agriculture has picked up, contributing to the government's effort to re-structure the economy. Rice imports will stop this year. Local rice, fresher and more nutritious will be on our dishes from now on." But it's an Irony that the rice is not available in the popular Daleko rice market, thereby giving some unscrupulous dealers an edge in exploiting uninformed public.

Christian's testimony may not be too much of a surprise to those used to the intricacies and mendacious nature of some rice dealers who seek illegal profit from the business at all cost; even at the expense and detriment of the well-being of the public. And though, it has overtime become a norm in the rice business; it is proper to say at this juncture that, it is a puzzle that authorities concerned must unravel and stop it as causes the country not just an uncelebrated image, but poses as threat to the health and financial well-being of the people.

And while Nigerians are happy over the fact that we now produce high quality and nutritious indigenous rice, it is obvious that the price of the commodity still remains a scare and an issue of concern to Nigerians, as they hope it could be made further affordable or even subsidised, so it can compete effectively when compared with foreign rice, and more Nigerians can begin to embrace it in the same way they have embraced foreign rice, if not better.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201803050202.html

Vietnam likely to export 6.5 million tonnes of rice in 2018 Vietnam may export 6.5 million tonnes of rice in 2018, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ha Cong Tuan.

Transporting rice for export High-quality rice accounts for a large proportion of total rice export volume and normal rice makes up less than 20 percent, Tuan said.

Vietnam shipped 861,000 tonnes of rice abroad in the first two months of this year, earning 419 million USD, up 17 percent in volume and 34 percent in value compared with the same period last year.

The Philippines was the biggest importer of Vietnamese rice, accounting for 26.9 percent of the market share. It was followed by China, with 23.5 percent.

The export price for Vietnamese rise rose from 435 USD per tonne in 2016 to 450 USD per tonne in 2017 and 475 USD per tonne during January-February.

The increase was attributed to the country‘s efforts to raise its rice quality.

Vietnam is doing well in increasing rice quality, Deputy Minister Tuan said, suggesting the country focus on improving the brand name of its rice.

Last year, Vietnam pocketed 2.6 billion USD from exporting 5.8 million tonnes of rice.-VNA

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/196536/viet nam-likely-to-export-6-5-million-tonnes-of-rice-in2018.html

Rice exporting March 05, 2018 SHARE : inShare

Previous Friday the rice exporters association of Pakistan Reap senior vice chairman Rafique Suleman pointed out that rice exports crossed the 1 billion dollar mark duration of first seven months of this fiscal year. Sharing data for the seven months period July to January of 2017 to 2018, he figure out that so far 2.28 million tonnes of rice amounting 1 billion dollar were exported against of 1.971 million tonnes, exports worth 820 for the same period of year ago. Just 29 percentage growth in the terms of value and 15 percentage in terms of quantity as the sector had been facing for last three year.

However, rice exporter hoped that in this fiscal year his target would be 4 million tonnes rice export. He said that Kenya is the largest importer of Pakistani rice as during the current total 284,000 tonnes of rice but just 102 dollar tonnes had been export to it. As the Reap official addressed that export to china, the second largest destination of Pakistani rice , were on the decline.

SAMMI MURAD,

https://nation.com.pk/05-Mar-2018/rice-exporting

Inside the Lagos Rice Market March 5, 2018 0 427

1

Sunday Ehigiator who was at the popular Daleko rice market recently, gives insight into why most Nigerians patronise foreign rice instead of the local variety

One cannot ignore the welcoming embrace of the bad road and uncompleted buildings while entering the popular Daleko Market, especially after a rainy day.

With over decades of being in existence, it has fully transformed from how it used to be into a well structured environment, harbouring Mosques, Churches and several big name banks in Nigeria.

Speaking with THISDAY, a long-time rice dealer in the market who pleaded anonymity said, reconstruction of the market started several years ago, but the annex part of the market was completed about a couple of years ago by the past administration. But the major parts of the market are still under construction as she called on concerned authority to speed up the construction process, adding that they are at risk selling under uncompleted buildings.

Commenting on the cheap prices rice is sold in the market as compared to other places within the country, she said “before recession it used to be cheaper than it is now. A bag of rice was as cheap as N9,000, half bag for N4,500, a paint rubber for N700 and a derica for N200 or even less. But now, we sell Caprice for N13,900 and Tomatoes brand rice for N13,700.”

Aside recession, the recently experienced increase in the price of rice could as well be linked to President Muhammadu Buhari’s New Year Day’s declaration of his intents to stop rice importation this year, to encourage Nigerians to patronise Nigeria-Made rice, and also the frequent closure of Benin Republic, Cotounou border, which causes rice-crossers to resort into smuggling of the products into the country.

Narrating their ordeals, a clique of rice-crossers who gave their views anonymously, explained that they resort to smuggling of the products whenever borders are closed. And this cost them more days on the road, thereby translating to spending more on feeding and fuelling their vehicles.

This makes them charge dealers more in bringing in the goods for them. And if they solely buy and bring in goods into the country by themselves, they charge dealers a bit higher than they would normally charge should it be that they were contracted by dealers to cross in goods for them.

When asked how much they charge dealers to bring in goods into the country, they were reluctant to disclose any certain amount but speculated around 4,000 to 5,000 CEFA, and maintained that they currently sell a bag of rice to dealers in Daleko for N12,700, adding that they charge dealers for the expenses incurred while bringing in the goods, while the dealer adds his/her own incurred expenses in moving the goods from the point of purchase

(either

across

border

or

within

the

country)

to

his/her

warehouse/shop, then use it as an integral determinant of the price of the product before selling to wholesalers or retailers. According to them, this is the reason why the final consumer suffers more in the supply chain.

Sharing her thoughts on why she prefers to shop for rice at Daleko Market, other than any other market she can get the commodity, a consumer Mrs. Abibat Afolayan said, “Traders in any other market around Lagos and even outside Lagos come here to buy rice because it is cheaper here. I have an occasion next week and I need about four bags of rice, I can only get it cheaper here since it is even close to my house and would also get it at the rate it is sold to wholesalers.�

Another consumer who came to buy the product, Mr. Anthony Ogana has this to say, “Rice is cheaper here than any other place in Lagos State, so I

prefer to drive down here to buy it whenever I need it in large quantity. I think the only place you can get rice cheaper than Daleko Market is when you travel around the border area, somewhere like Idiroko, or Imeko and maybe Badagry.”

Asked why he bought foreign rice instead of the Nigerian-made rice? He responded using sarcasm with a big grin on his face and said, “My brother, try going to price our rice, you are also a Nigerian, so it is our rice. Try going there and price the rice and you would find out that it is too expensive, it is not rice meant for poor man. And if you eventually buy it, cook it and eat it, then tell me if you would feel proud of yourself.” He concluded that the rice is not as good as foreign rice, and it is sometimes stony and takes longer time to cook.

Another consumer Mrs. Feyitomi Michael said, “There was this time I bought it (local rice) once for my family but the experience was so bad. My husband complained bitterly of stones and we abandoned it. We didn’t even finish eating the half bag I bought; it is still at home wasting. Another thing is that it doesn’t scent well after cooking it. You know, if you are cooking Caprice or Tomatoes rice, even somebody far from where you are cooking it can easily know that you are cooking rice. But this one, I can’t even explain how the thing dey’ scent.” So she concluded with laughter.

Though obvious that foreign brands of rice are better packaged and enjoyed among Nigerians as compared to local rice, the reasons could presumably be attributed to limited technology in its production and ironically; its high quality processing, in the sense that; it is not over parboiled as compared to foreign rice. This makes it retain more nutrients after production, and

explains why its colour is not as bright as that of foreign brands when compared.

From findings, a bag of Mama’s Pride rice (as earlier believed, before the twist that followed), is sold at the rate of N15,500 and half bag for N7,800 in Daleko Market. This is against the prices for a bag of Caprice and Tomatoes Rice which goes for N13,900 and N13,700 respectively, and their half bags are sold for N6,950 and N6,850 apiece.

Mama’s Pride rice is Nigeria-Made rice sold in Daleko Market, along with other foreign brands. It is made by Olam Nigeria Limited. From subsequent findings, it was revealed that no Nigerian rice has been brought to or sold in Daleko Market for some months ago or currently selling in Daleko Market at the moment.

However, there seems to be some set of shady dealers who derive delights in misleading and exploiting the unsuspecting public in the market by packaging mixtures of other brands of rice into the bag of Mama’s Pride.

Thereby, sending a wrong impression that the product is too expensive in the market and perhaps the most expensive of all brands of rice.

Speaking with THISDAY, another rice dealer by name Christian, said that “there is no Nigerian product available in this market for some months now.

What people see outside with some dealers or probably retailers at the first line of shops in Daleko Market are not Nigerian rice. They just mixed different types of rice together and put it inside Nigerian-made brands and sell to customers. They even do same for Caprice and Tomatoes and sell it cheaper to unsuspecting members of the public. The most expensive brand

of rice in the market now is Special Rice from Thailand sold for N14,500. And it is not the same as the Special Rice that we used to have long ago that is made in Brazil, because that one is no longer in existence.”

He concluded by saying that “to know an original rice that wasn’t mixed or re-baged, just look at the threads that they seal the bag with (showed THISDAY the original way of sealing bag), if it is not like this, know that it has been tampered with, and don’t buy it. I can take you to where they sell empty bags of these different products that are not in the market again and others that are still in the market; look at that other shop; do you see those empty bags they covered with nylon? (Shows THISDAY) That’s one of the places they buy from.”

The President of Nigeria, Buhari, had on his New Year Day’s speech promised to stop the importation of foreign rice this year, and make available on Nigerians dishes, fresher and more nutritious local rice. In his words, “…Two years ago I appealed to people to go back to the land. I am highly

gratified

that

agriculture

has

picked

up,

contributing

to

the

government’s effort to re-structure the economy. Rice imports will stop this year. Local rice, fresher and more nutritious will be on our dishes from now on.” But it’s an Irony that the rice is not available in the popular Daleko rice market, thereby giving some unscrupulous dealers an edge in exploiting uninformed public.

Christian’s testimony may not be too much of a surprise to those used to the intricacies and mendacious nature of some rice dealers who seek illegal profit from the business at all cost; even at the expense and detriment of the well-being of the public. And though, it has overtime become a norm in the rice business; it is proper to say at this juncture that, it is a puzzle that authorities concerned must unravel and stop it as causes the country not

just an uncelebrated image, but poses as threat to the health and financial well-being of the people.

And while Nigerians are happy over the fact that we now produce high quality and nutritious indigenous rice, it is obvious that the price of the commodity still remains a scare and an issue of concern to Nigerians, as they hope it could be made further affordable or even subsidised, so it can compete effectively when compared with foreign rice, and more Nigerians can begin to embrace it in the same way they have embraced foreign rice, if not better.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/03/05/ins ide-the-lagos-rice-market/

Investment-led strategy way forward for export drive, economic growth 2018-03-06 00:00:10

0 183

Finance State Minister Eran Wickramaratne, addressing Investor Forum 2018 in Mumbai recently, has said that the government has formulated plans to increase the per capita income to US $ 5,000 and foreign direct investments (FDIs) to US $ 5 billion per year. According to him, Sri Lanka‘s economic outlook and investment opportunities are positive.

Sri Lanka‘s per capita income is around US $ 3,850 and the FDIs, excluding the loans to the Board of Investment (BOI) companies, are even below Rs.1 billion per year.

For a small economy (US $ 83 billion) like Sri Lanka, with a domestic consumer market of a mere 21 million, even with 2.0-2.5 million foreign travellers, the external demand from the international markets for Sri Lankan products and services is critical, in order to sustain medium-term economic growth.

However, the Sri Lankan external sector performance – balance of trade – remains a critical issue

mainly due to a steady deterioration in the competitiveness of the exports, coupled with low productivity, lack of consistent policies, implementation snags, red tape, etc. It is regretted to mention that an export-led growth strategy, which has been practiced for many years, has become a mere slogan.

Recent Central Bank press releases and other economic indicators The recent Central Bank press releases highlight the positive side. ―Capital inflows reflecting the favourable developments in the external sector, the BOP recorded a surplus of US $ 2,068 million in 2017, while gross official reserves of the country stood at US $ 8 billion as at end-2017,‖ a Central Bank release said.

These foreign reserves are not ‗earned‘ but with additional foreign borrowings, which include the issue of international sovereign bonds and sale proceeds from the Hambantota port transfer, etc.

Although the earnings from exports increased in 2017 (US $ 11.4 billion from US $ 10.3 billion), the increase in import expenditure resulted in widening the trade deficit. The year-end run on imports pushes the trade deficit highest since 2012 (US $ 9,620 million)

The Sri Lankan per capita income is stagnated during the last three to four years and it is around US $ 3,850 now. This figure doesn‘t really show the income inequality and huge disparity among the rural ‗bottom of the pyramid‘ people, where more than 25 percent of the people are living below the poverty indicators set by the World Bank.

Based on the World Bank statistics, the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita for Sri Lanka in 2016 was US $ 22,195 and for Singapore it was US $ 87,832 (ppp adjusted). As far back as 1950s, both countries‘ GDP per capita were more or less the same, around US $ 160.

A Sri Lankan high-calibre professional working in Singapore, on a short holiday to Sri Lanka recently told the writer: ―It is sad to see that the Sri Lankan economy is deteriorating from bad to worse.

Singapore was once a county that benchmarked itself with Sri Lanka for development. However, today they are light years ahead of us and our development is basically the opposite. Further, due to this plight, our country is also losing some of its very best human resources to other countries; such as this will only add to our negative growth.‖ Continued inflows by way of tourist earnings and workers‘ remittances, however, have contributed in curtailing the expanded trade deficit to a certain extent.

The Central Bank stated: ―The cumulative trade deficit increased during 2017, reflecting higher import expenditure caused by weather-related factors, offsetting the notable increase in export earnings.‖ The real reasons are many and in my view, it‘s due to, in simple terms, ―bad management‖.

On a cumulative basis, import expenditure recorded its historically highest value of US $ 21 billion in

2017. This was largely led by higher imports of fuel and rice, wheat imports and refined petroleum products during the year. Import expenditure on rice and wheat increased to fulfil the shortage in the domestic market due to serious loss of rice production by as much as 50 percent to a mere 2,300 million metric tonnes during last year compared to the average of 4,600 million metric tonnes during the previous years.

Furthermore, the import expenditure on machinery and equipment declined due to the lower imports of engineering equipment and electrical machinery and equipment. Also, the import of cement and fertilizer declined during the year. India (21.4 percent), China (18.8 percent), the UAE (7.5 percent), Singapore (6.2 percent) and Japan (5 percent) were the main import origins, accounting for about 59 percent of the total imports during 2017.

Persistent savings: Investment gap in Sri Lankan economy The real issue lies with the shortfall in the investment required for the desired economic growth.

Low levels of FDI inflows have been a chronic issue in the Sri Lankan economy. Therefore, it has to be some kind of an ‗investment-led growth strategy‘ that could drive the export sector and economic growth.

As development economists have identified, the obstacles to development are self-reinforcing where, low levels of household income preventing domestic savings, which in turn retard capital formation, thus low investments hinder productivity growth and keep the household income back at low levels. This is the poverty-growth vicious cycle.

As a result, the successive governments are compelled to borrow funds to finance the deficits. In addition to this, the public sector inefficiency, lack of coordination among ministries and departments and human resource skill gaps, coupled with political instability, have contributed to the poor performance.

Economic vicious cycle cripples public life The Central Bank has been repeatedly emphasizing the need to address these ‗deep-rooted structural issues‘ in the economy, which have prevented the country from maintaining a high and sustainable GDP growth rate over time (Page 27 of CB 2016).

According to the world economic outlook of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank, the global economy gained momentum. Therefore, one can argue that the low export performance has been due to the supply-side issues than demand-side and therefore, signing free trade agreements alone will not reverse the trends. The writer has further developed a new economic vicious cycle stemming from lack of policy cohesiveness on the part of the government.

Conclusion As can be seen, low levels of FDI inflows have been a chronic issue in the Sri Lankan economy.

Therefore, a more vibrant ‗investment-led growth strategy‘ needs to be implemented that will eventually drive the export sector and the economic growth. The balance of trade remains a critical issue, mainly due to a steady deterioration in the competitiveness of the exports, coupled with low

domestic productivity resorting to heavy dependency on import of consumer goods, including rice, wheat, milk, sugar and other staple foods. It seems the fiscal austerity programme recommended by the IMF/World Bank will not reap the benefits and it can lead to more social unrest than solving deep-rooted structural issues.

The policy inconsistencies and poor coordination among ministries and departments and implementation snags need to be addressed and corrected by the government of the day without any further delay. Therefore, inculcating a strong work ethic culture becomes the necessary prerequisite. It is also necessary to enhance investor confidence and have political stability, thus creating a conducive environment to make trade and investments more efficient.

How can this national unity government solve the ‗poverty-growth‘ vicious cycle of the people and the country as a whole, when they can‘t get over from their own ‗vicious cycle‘ as articulated in the writer‘s model?

(Jayampathy Molligoda is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.

He has obtained his MBA from the Postgraduate Institute of Management and has also successfully completed an Executive Strategy Programme at Victoria University Melbourne, Australia. He counts over 37 years of executive experience in the fields of financial management, strategic planning and human resource development. At present, he serves as Executive Deputy Chairman of a leading public quoted company. He can be reached at jayampathy@bpl.lk)

http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Investment-ledstrategy-way-forward-for-export-drive-economicgrowth-146790.html

Scientists discourage pesticides in fighting armyworm Mar. 05, 2018, 12:45 am

By AGATHA NGOTHO and JOHN MUCHANGI

The army worms that invaded farms in Mwingi and caused havoc to crops./MUSEMBI NZENGU     

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Researchers are now discouraging farmers from using synthetic pesticides to control the fall armyworm this season.

In an advisory, the Food and Agriculture Organisation said many of the pesticides used last year are harmful to the environment and are more expensive compared to safer alternatives. ―Older pesticide molecules, banned in industrialised countries, are often still readily available and widely used in African countries. These products put farmers’ health and their environments at risk,‖ FAO said.

It said the rush for the synthetic pesticides was fueled by panic and not based on a careful analysis of the costs and benefits.

SYNTHETIC ―The good news is that bio-pesticides, including those based on bacteria, virus, and fungus, have been already tested, developed and used successfully in the Americas.

FAW’s natural enemies have also proved to be fierce combatants of the fall armyworn,‖ the advisory said.

Bio-chemicals are produced by nature without any human intervention.

Synthetic chemicals are made by humans using methods different than those nature uses, and these chemical structures may or may not be found in nature.

Nairobi-based International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology recommends crop diversity to control the worm.

Icipe researcher Zeyaur Khan proposes the push-pull practice, which entails planting a repellent crop and an attractive trap plant such as nappier grass around the farms. ―The napier grass attracts stem-borers and armyworm to lay eggs on it, but it does not allow the larvae to develop on it due to poor nutrition. Very few larvae survive,‖ he said.

Icipe scientists are also studying indigenous insects and other natural organisms that have been found to attack the worms.

Farmers in America use genetically modified plants and advanced pesticides to control the pests, but these options may be too expensive, and harm the environment and crops.

The larvae form of fall armyworm prefers maize, but can feed on more than 80 plant species including rice, sorghum, millet, sugarcane, vegetable crops and cotton, says FAO. It can destroy an entire crop if it is not controlled on time. It can spread fast, and can fly over 30 kilometres in one night assisted by the wind.

One farmer in Vihiga, Fridah Kavetsa, says she mixed Chilli powder with ash and sprinkled on the maize funnel. Kavetsa says the pest disappears completely after several applications.

These are some of the homegrown methods researchers are studying before recommending them to farmers.

Other methods of control include use of pheromone traps and hand picking of adults and caterpillars.

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2018/03/05/scientistsdiscourage-pesticides-in-fightingarmyworm_c1724277

Kerala Agricultural University to revive rice production DECCAN CHRONICLE. PublishedMar 4, 2018, 1:30 am IST UpdatedMar 4, 2018, 1:30 am IST

Programmes aim extensive revival of rice production systems and promotion of integrated farming systems.

Kerala Agricultural University Thrissur: Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Kerala and Lakshadweep in the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) have resolved to implement coordinated programmes for extensive revival of rice production systems and promotion of integrated farming systems in the state. This was decided after a three-day pre-action plan meet which was held recently.

The meeting organised by KAU Directorate of Extension at Karshaka Bhavanam, Vellanikkara noted that Integrated farming models incorporating components of agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries should be popularized.

"Integrated systems represent the priority flagship programme of the State Government and are viable options for doubling farmers' income. KVKs are the best equipped agencies to take up these models since they have the combined manpower from different faculties," explained Dr.Jiju P Alex, KAU Director of Extension. KVKs will also formulate and propagate programmes to supplement agricultural growth, which is vital for propping up a healthy economy. Technologies for maximum production from unit area and eco-friendly

pest and disease management will also be popularized. Demonstration units of Agri Ecological Units based on KAU reccomendations will also be taken up by all 14 KVKs .

The meeting to chalk out the action plan for 2018-19 was inaugurated by KAU ViceChancellor Dr. R. Chandrababu on March 1. The Vice- Chancellor, in his inaugural address, appreciated the vibrant and vital extension services rendered by KVKs for transferring technologies developed by the research system. He also called upon the scientists of KVKs to be sensitive to the needs of the farmers and plan for interventions which improved their livelihood. KAU Director of Research Dr. P. Indira Devi raised the multiple challenges faced by the agricultural sector and called upon the scientists of KVKs to work out strategies to address the concerns on quality of the farm produce as well as income of farmers.

Dr. D.V. Srinivasa Reddy, Principal Scientist, ATARI, Bangalore insisted that he would draft action plans including the training programmes. He suggested models on location specific Integrated Farming System in all the KVKs. Dr. P.V. Habeeburrahman, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Malappuram proposed a vote of thanks. In addition to heads and subject matter Specialists from KVKs in Kerala and Lakshadweep, scientists from KAU, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) and Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean studies (KUFOS), Dr.K.P.Sudheer, Dr.Jacob John, Dr. P.K.Suresh Kumar, Dr.S.Anitha, Dr. Biju, Dr.Prasad, Dr. Anitha Cherian, Dr . Madhu Subrahmoniam,Dr.Beela S Manoj and Fisheries Additional Director Shaji participated in the deliberations.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/currentaffairs/040318/kerala-agricultural-university-torevive-rice-production.html Louisiana Rice & Crawfish Farm Honored for Stewardship Practices

By Josh Hankins

ANAHEIM, CA -- What happens when you mix California sunshine, Mickey Mouse, rice, crawfish, and the nation's largest farmer-led convention and trade show? You get the Durand family operation from St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, being recognized for their nutrient stewardship at the 2018 Commodity Classic.

Established in 1996, the Commodity Classic brings exhibitors with many of the world's leading agribusiness companies together with farmers from around the country to share ideas, innovation, technology, equipment and expertise that can help operations back home.

For the last seven years at the Commodity Classic, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) has recognized five pairs of growers and retailer partners that exemplify the use of 4R (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place) nutrient stewardship practices on their farm to increase production and reduce environmental impact.

Among those recognized this year were rice and crawfish farming brothers Jeff, CJ, and Greg Durand, and Earl Garber, crop advisor with Sanders, Pinnacle Agriculture from St. Martin, Louisiana. Throughout the year the 4R Advocates will be part of TFI's outreach efforts to promote fertilizer management practices by hosting farm field days, participating in conference panels, and speaking on behalf of the 4Rs to their farming peers.

The Durand brothers began raising crawfish with their father in the 1970s and no-

till rice was added to the rotation in 1980. Earl Garber, a producer support specialist, has worked with the team for six years. The Durands now collect soil samples in 2.5-acre grids every three to four years and that data is turned into soil maps with cation exchange capacity (CEC) zones indicating the soil's ability to hold onto essential nutrients. Combined with yield monitoring data, tissue sampling, satellite imagery, and crop removal rates, the result is better fertilizer prescriptions for each field, improved soil health, and healthy yields.

"We are excited to be here in southern California and honored to be included in such impressive company with the other four nominated advocates," said Greg Durand. "Our family operation is thrilled to partner with TFI in their outreach efforts encouraging adoption of best management practices that will lead to better soil health."

Customs seize 460 bags of poisonous rice in Sokoto Published March 5, 2018

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•Customs officers with the seized rice

Adeniyi Olugbemi, Sokoto Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service in Sokoto State have intercepted a truck loaded with 460 bags of foreign rice with a duty value of N7.8m

The NCS said the rice was contaminated and would pose ―serious health risk‖ to any consumer in the country.

According to the NCS Area Comptroller in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, Mr. Nasir Ahmed, the contraband was hidden in a tanker that was being used to carry petrol.

Ahmed, who explained that the goods were intercepted in Sokoto State while on their way to Suleja area in Niger State, stressed that the consumption of such rice posed serious health risks to Nigerians.

Ahmed said, ―This is an oil tanker belonging to one of the major oil distributors that is now used in carrying black oil (contraband). This poses serious health risk and hazard to those who consume the rice because it has been contaminated. ―The plan of the smugglers is to repackage the rice and sell it to innocent Nigerians as soon as they reach their destination in Niger State.

We will not allow such unscrupulous persons to put the lives of our citizens at risk.‖ He said the command had already arrested one person in connection with the contraband.

He advised the smugglers to go back to the farm and engage in rice production rather than engage in activities that would sabotage the nation‘s economy.

Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this

website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

http://punchng.com/customs-seize-460-bags-ofpoisonous-rice-in-sokoto/

We will deliver local rice below N10,000 per bag – Bagudu March 5, 2018Agency Report

Rice mill used to illustrate the story [Photo credit: Getty Images]

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We import poison, not rice, Governor Bagudu warns Nigerians Rice farmers across Nigeria witness bumper harvest amidst distribution, milling challenges

Rice, beans importation into Nigeria reduce by over 90% - Buhari Kebbi govt to export rice – Governor Lagos consumes 16 million bags of rice, 2 million cows yearly -- Ambode

Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi says the state will work together with farmers and millers under the Federal Government’ Anchor Borrower Programme to deliver local rice below N10,000 per bag.

The governor gave the assurances Sunday night in Birnin Kebbi at a dinner hosted in honour of the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.

The minister is on a two-day working visit to Kebbi with a team of journalists to showcase and assess the government’s agricultural revolution.

Mr. Bagudu who commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government policy on rice called for more investments by the public and private sector.

The governor said that the mobilisation of 70,000 farmers and N11 billion spent on the pilot scheme had yielded so much dividends and attracted national and global attention to the state.

He said in addition to the two major rice milling factories – Labana and Walcot – , there were so many small and medium scale millers springing up in the state.

Mr. Bagudu disclosed that Labana and Walcot rice milling factories had N55 billion demand for paddy.

The governor also disclosed that the Dangote group recently visited him and were concluding plans to set up a rice milling factory in the state.

He said the partnership between Kebbi and Lagos states on rice value chain that produced the Lake rice had solved the challenge of glut by providing ready made market for farmers.

The governor, who is the Chairman Presidential Task Force Committee on Rice and Wheat Production, noted that the level of investment in the state had proved that agriculture is the easiest sector for diversification

He said the huge investments had also shown the confidence the investing community had in the Buhari administration.

For his part, the minister appreciated the governor for honouring him and members of his entourage.

He said Kebbi’s goal is to be a trailblazer in using the Anchor Borrowing Programme to transform the agriculture sector.

Mr. Mohammed said the programme aimed at food production, job creation, income generation and self sufficiency had been a tremendous success the state.

The minister said he led the media to the state to show to the world that the government agriculture policy is working and yielding results contrary to the claims of naysayers.

Besides agriculture, the state commissioners gave score cards of the giant strides of the governor in roads, health, infrastructure development, culture and information technology.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nwest/260 704-will-deliver-local-rice-n10000-per-bagbagudu.html

Floating rice: The climate-resilient alternative for Cambodia’s food production Grown in floods and thriving without pesticides, floating rice offers Cambodia a sustainable alternative for its eco-friendly food production amid threats from climate change. image: data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICT AEAOw== A Cambodian boy rides on a buffalo on his way back from a floating rice field. Once common in the Lower Mekong Basin, this eco-friendly farming method is drifting towards disappearance in the region.

(Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)

image: data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICT AEAOw==

By Pichayada Promchertchoo @PichayadaCNA 06 Mar 2018 06:30AM

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Bookmark KAMPONG THOM, Cambodia: The sky is pitch black when Than Bunthorn leaves home for the paddy field. His body sways atop an old oxcart as it bumps along a small dirt track. Dawn is still some hours away. But for the farmer, work begins as early as 3am.

The 51-year-old has another long day ahead of him. Six hectares of rice field takes him a month to cultivate and seed. He owns no farm machinery, only two oxen and a wooden plough. But that is enough to get work done before the annual floods, when water fills his land and rice begins to float.

A resident of Tnot Village in Kampong Thom province, Bunthorn is among a few remaining farmers in Cambodia who still grow floating rice in deep water. The technique is a traditional farming method that could offer a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative for the country‘s rice production in the face of climate change. ―Floating rice grows with floods,‖ Bunthorn said. His rough, sunburnt skin hints at decades of toiling in harsh weather. ―No matter how deep it is, the rice can survive. It can float high above the ground and doesn‘t need much care until harvest time.‖ image: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/image/9940252/0x0/3008/2008/3c5b763ba50e13e2adbadd15 62e88f31/zp/-pp--tapestry-rice2.jpg

A boy rows his boat on submerged land, heading towards a floating rice field. Many farmers in Kampong Thom province still grow rice in deep water during flooding season, when water from Tonle Sap River inundates a vast area of land. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)

Grown in floods and thriving without pesticide, floating rice – sometimes known as deep water rice – has nourished generations of people in the Lower Mekong Region. In Cambodia, the traditional cultivation is still present around Tonle Sap Lake, in low-lying provinces such as Kampong Thom, Kampong Chhnang, Siem Reap, Pursat and Banteay Meanchey.

The unique characteristic of floating rice is its ability to elongate and adapt to floods. The stem lengthens as water rises, with heights ranging between 1 and 6 metres. For three months, usually from August to October, its foliage floats and ripens on the surface, while deep water keeps pests at bay.

During the submergence, Bunthorn says sediment from the floods turns into natural fertiliser and helps farmers like himself minimise the use of agrochemicals. ―We don‘t have to pay for chemical fertiliser or pesticides. We just need rainwater and floods.

Our produce, as a result, is organic and healthy." image: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/image/9940266/0x0/3008/2008/151b5f60a9442d85c76705a4 826ab6b/Pe/-pp--tapestry-rice4.jpg

Farmers in Tnot Village are on their way home after harvesting floating rice. The plant is cropped once a year and takes several months to grow - one of the main reasons why many Cambodian farmers have switched to double-cropped, dry-season varieties. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)

The crops‘ resilience to inundation and low reliance on agrochemicals has led researchers to believe there are many benefits of growing floating rice in the Lower Mekong Basin, particularly in Cambodia.

Based on a study by USAID and the Mekong Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change, Cambodia is among the most vulnerable countries in Southeast Asia to climate change impact. ―Increased frequency of large storms will result in more flooding and related costs, especially in low-lying areas such as the extensive floodplains surrounding Tonle Sap Lake including southern and central parts of Kampong Thom province,‖ the study said.

Among the most vulnerable crops, it adds, are dry-season and lowland rain-fed rice. Last year alone, Cambodia‘s National Committee for Disaster Management reported 3,456 hectares of rice crops were damaged by rain and the overflowing of rivers, not mentioning more than 300 hectares of other crops.

FLOATING RICE: A FADING CULTURE In Tnot Village, the threat of flooding does not worry deep water rice farmers so much.

"Floating rice can withstand floods; it grows well when water rises. The farming itself is also easy and that‘s why it‘s still alive,‖ Bunthorn said. ―If Mother Nature gives us good weather, the harvest can reach 3 tonnes a year.‖ image: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/image/9940260/0x0/2960/1976/516343c0d07ef4aba647e1dab 8868059/eu/-pp--tapestry-rice3.jpg

Floating rice grows with floods. The stem can elongate up to 6 metres while its foliage floats and ripens on the water surface. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)

Farming is the only career he has known since the age of 18. As a little boy, he used to follow his father to their rice field, where he learnt the art of farming rice in deep water. Like other families in the village, his has been growing floating rice for generations – a tradition he hopes will live on.

But data from the Agriculture Ministry shows floating rice continues to disappear from Cambodia‘s floodplains. Its major decline was recorded around 1975-1979, when the country witnessed one of the darkest chapters in its history.

During four years under the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia went through a mass genocide that is believed to have wiped out up to 2 million people or a quarter of its then population. Under the leadership of Pol Pot, millions of people were forced to farm in the countryside as the regime hoped to turn the society into an agrarian utopia.

As a result, single-cropped floating rice was deemed valueless and higher-yielding types were used to accelerate rice production. Much of its cultivation has been replaced by dry-season varieties, which allow farmers to harvest twice or thrice a year. image: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/image/9940420/0x0/3008/2008/ecb66814d3e99a648028425d 55c270fb/YN/-pp--tapestry-rice7.jpg

During flooding season, floating farmers catch wild fish in their inundated rice fields as they turn into a fertile fishing ground. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)

―The market for dry-season rice is expanding in Cambodia. The crops only take three months to grow and that‘s why farmers are switching to this type,' said Chim Choeung, member of the Kampong Svay Commune Council in Kampong Thom.

"They can earn more this way."

In Cambodia, rice is the staple food and primary commodity. In 2017, the country exported more than 635,000 tonnes of rice and recorded a 17.3 per cent growth from the previous year, according to the Agriculture Ministry.

As the country develops, the government is determined to further increase rice production as it aims to transform Cambodia into the world‘s ―rice basket‖.

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news /asiapacific/floating-rice-cambodia-foodproduction-alternative-9937896 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news /asiapacific/floating-rice-cambodia-foodproduction-alternative-9937896 From Almonds To Rice, Climate Change Could Slash California Crop Yields By 2050    

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Walnut trees at a farm in Byron, Calif. An analysis of nearly 90 studies finds warming temperatures may alter where key crops grow across the state, which provides around two-thirds of America's produce.

David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images Climate change could decrease the yield of some crops in California by up to 40 percent by 2050. That's a big deal for farmers in the state, which provides about two-thirds of the nation's produce.

California farmers grow more than 400 commodity crops. Tapan Pathak, a University of California Cooperative Extension specialist based in California's Central Valley, and his research team analyzed 89 studies on climate change and discovered that warming temperatures may alter where crops grow across the state. Their findings were published in the journal Agronomy.

"In order to make California agriculture more sustainable, we have to act now," Pathak says.

As the climate continues to change and drought and heat waves become more frequent, Pathak says the challenges agriculture will face are going to intensify. He's referring to things like how the lack of cold temperatures will impact trees that need a certain number of chill-hours, or sleep each year, as well as increased impacts from pests and diseases.

"That could adversely impact yields and production for some highly valued crops in California," Pathak says.

The study reports "several fruit and nut crops are losing yield and decreasing in acreage . . . as a direct consequence of increased winter and nighttime temperatures."

The study also points out that climatic conditions — warming temperatures and a shrinking snowpack — by the end of the 21st century may make it difficult for the state to even support some of its main tree crops. The study suggests that by the middle of the century, California's Central Valley won't be able to support crops like peaches, walnuts and apricots. That number jumps to 90 percent by the end of the century. Almonds, avocados, cherries, table grapes, corn, tomatoes, rice, strawberries and others are expected to suffer crop yields as well.

Walnuts would be the hardest-hit crop because they "require the highest number of chill hours, implying a future decline in walnut acreage within the valley," the authors report. Nearly 99 percent of the nation's supply of the crop originate from California and support around three-quarters of the global supply of the nut.

But Pathak says crops planted yearly, like alfalfa, could yield more as temperatures increase. The study also says wine grapes will see small declines in yield.

What can be done now to mitigate this?

The study's authors say the California agricultural industry needs to take breeding research seriously by testing for heat-tolerant varieties. The report also urges the industry to figure out regional "management practices that can extend crops' winter dormancy periods. Since different crops react to temperature changes differently, research efforts on climate adaptation should be crop-specific," the study reports.

While California farmers and ranchers have long experienced fluctuations in weather, the authors say that "the increased rate and scale of climate change is beyond the realm of experience for the agricultural community."

And that may translate into food security issues at the state and national level.

Peter Gleick, an expert in climate and water for the Oakland-based Pacific Institute, read the study and says, "it is critical that we start making decisions now to reduce the threats later."

Gleick says even though some crops will fare better than others, "impacts will be deeply negative, especially if we are not more aggressive about both reducing emissions and putting in place more climate resilient agriculture."

He says farmers must take an active role in addressing climate change and the state is going to need to help by expanding "efforts to help communities that will be negatively affected by changes we won't be able to avoid."

This story comes to us from member station Capital Public Radio in Sacramento.

https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/03/02/59005 6872/from-almonds-to-rice-climate-change-couldslash-california-crop-yields-by-2050

Rice research centre team calls on Naidu SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT AMARAVATI, MARCH 03, 2018 00:00 IST

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Offers to set up satellite-based innovation centre in State Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked officials of the International Rice Research Centre (IRRC), Philippines, to submit a report on the proposed production of quality paddy with low production cost.

An International Rice Research Centre team comprising its Director General Matew Morell, representative of South Asia Nafees Meah, outcome-theme leader Arvind Kumar, scientist Vikas Kumar Singh, consultant Aldas Janaiah and senior associate Rubina Nishat, led by Minister for Agriculture Somiredddy Chandramohan Reddy, met Mr. Naidu on Friday.

Value addition Pointing to the fact that Andhra Pradesh was the rice bowl of India and that the State had achieved the highest growth rate in agriculture and allied sectors, Mr. Naidu said he wanted to develop the State as the best agricultural hub.

He wanted them to present a report to set up an innovation centre in A.P. for value addition to the produce.

Mr. Morell expressed willingness to set up a satellite-based international innovation centre in A.P., saying a sub-centre was present in Varanasi.

Mr. Chandramohan Reddy briefed the Chief Minister about the infrastructure needed to set up the proposed innovation centre.

Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Damodar Naidu, Director of research N.V. Naidu, Commissioner of Agriculture Hari Jawaharlal were present.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tpnational/tp-andhrapradesh/rice-research-centreteam-calls-on-naidu/article22915544.ece



me >> Vijayawada

Rice research centre team calls on Naidu 

By Hindu

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| Saturday | 3rd March, 2018

Ranga Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Damodar Naidu, Director of research N.V. Naidu, Commissioner of Agriculture Hari Jawaharlal were present. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked officials of the International Rice Research Centre (IRRC), Philippines, to submit a report on the proposed production of quality paddy with low production cost. Mr. Morell expressed willingness to set up a satellite-based international

innovation centre in A.P., saying a sub-centre was present in Varanasi. Mr. Chandramohan Reddy briefed the Chief Minister about the infrastructure needed to set up the proposed innovation centre. He wanted them to present a report to set up an innovation centre in A.P. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked officials of the International Rice Research Centre (IRRC), Philippines, to submit a report on the proposed production of quality paddy with low production cost.

An IRRC team comprising its Director General Matew Morell, representative of South Asia Nafees Meah, outcome-theme leader Arvind Kumar, scientist Vikas Kumar Singh, consultant Aldas Janaiah and senior associate Rubina Nishat, led

by Minister for Agriculture Somiredddy Chandramohan Reddy, met Mr. Naidu on Friday.

Value addition Pointing to the fact that Andhra Pradesh was the rice bowl of India and that the State had achieved the highest growth rate in agriculture and allied sectors, Mr. Naidu said he wanted to develop the State as the best agricultural hub.

He wanted them to present a report to set up an innovation centre in A.P. for value addition to the produce.

Mr. Morell expressed willingness to set up a satellite-based international innovation centre in A.P., saying a sub-centre was present in Varanasi.

Mr. Chandramohan Reddy briefed the Chief Minister about the infrastructure needed to set up the proposed innovation centre.

Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Damodar Naidu, Director of research N.V. Naidu, Commissioner of Agriculture Hari Jawaharlal were present.

Stay updated with all the Latest Vijayawada headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.

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Ben Juliano, cereal chemist second to none

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Published March 3, 2018, 10:00 PM

By Dr. Emil Q. Javier ‘There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why… I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?’

– Robert Kennedy The science community lost another national treasure with the demise last week of Bienvenido Ochoa Juliano, a world renowned cereal chemist, who in his chosen field of rice starch chemistry is second to none.

He started his career in UP Los Baños where he earned a bachelor‘s degree in agriculture in 1955 at the head of his class, magna cum laude. Shortly after, he continued his graduate studies at Ohio State University where he earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry (straight ―A‖s), at the tender age of 22, the youngest-ever doctorate degree graduate from the University.

Dr. Juliano was part of the original research team who constituted the core of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) scientific staff recruited in 1961 by founding director Robert Chandler. He stayed on for 32 years until his retirement in 1993. A prolific researcher, all told he published 370 scientific papers. So much so that to date many of the commonly cited standard assays of the physico-chemical properties of rice starch are attributed to Ben Juliano and his colleagues/students at the cereal chemistry laboratory at IRRI. His contribution to the world‘s pool of knowledge in the cooking, eating and nutritional qualities of rice will continue to influence in years to come how rice is bred, managed and utilized.

Dr. Juliano had a ―life romance‖ so to speak with the chemistry of rice starch (apart from his wife Linda).

Starch constitutes 90 percent of the dry matter of milled rice. Starch is a polymer of glucose molecules and consists of two kinds of polymers — amylose which is a straight chain, and amylopectin, which is branched.

His research revealed that rice quality and preferences vary across countries and among populations in different regions. But among the chemical attributes, amylose content is the major eating quality factor.

Amylose content correlates directly with volume expansion and water absorption during cooking. High amylose is associated with hardness, whiteness and dullness of cooked rice.

Filipinos prefer rice varieties with intermediate amylose content and soft gel consistency. Our traditional, wellliked upland varieties like Dinorado, Milagrosa, etc. have 18–22 percent amylose content and low to intermediate gelatinization temperature (GT-temperature at which 90 percent of starch granules are gelatinized i.e. rice grains swollen irreversibly in hot water).

N.B. for diabetics: amylose content has to do with glycemic index i.e. the relative increase of glucose in the blood within three hours after ingestion of 50 grams carbohydrate by a fasted subject, with glucose taken as 100 percent. Rice varieties which are waxy have low amylose content and have higher glycemic index.

International recognition of the scientific contributions of Ben Juliano came by way of the invitation of the prestigious American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACC) for him to contribute several chapters and be the editor of the second edition (1985) of the ―Rice Chemistry and Technology‖ handbook.

His eminence in the field was unsurpassed and in 2003 he was again invited by the AACC to edit the third edition. He politely declined but instead directed all his efforts to producing the book ―Rice Chemistry and Quality,‖ with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) as publisher. Ben Juliano‘s reason for declining the honor was that the AACC-published handbook is quite expensive and not affordable for rice researchers in developing countries. But with PhilRice as publisher, the book is much more affordable, and with the added benefit of highlighting the contributions of Filipino scientists to world rice science.

The other global recognition came by way of the book ―Rice in Human Nutrition‖ with Ben Juliano as sole author but with the Food and Agriculture of Organization of the United Nations (FAO) cover. Needless to say this was a significant personal honor to Ben Juliano and the Filipino science establishment.

But easily the most notable among Dr. Juliano‘s outputs was the monumental book he co-authored with Corazon Pe-Benito-Villareal on the ―Grain Quality Evaluation of World Rices.‖ This book detailed the physico-chemical properties of 2,679 varieties of milled rices and 244 related wild species.

Over the years, Ben Juliano received so many awards, locally and abroad. Among them the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award in science in 1964; the Presidential Rizal Pro Patria award for rice chemistry in 1976; the only non-Japanese Asian to be conferred the Japanese Society of Starch Science Medal of Merit in 1982; the only Asian and rice scientist to receive the Thomas B. Osborne Medal from the American Association of Cereal Chemists, and the first Filipino to receive the ASEAN Outstanding Scientist and Technologist award in 1998.

He was elected to the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Philippines in 1979. He was elevated to the rare rank and title of National Scientist by President Joseph Estrada in 2000.

Another significant dimension to Ben Juliano‘s contribution is the number of organic chemists he advised and mentored. Among them are three members of the NAST — Academician Lourdes Cruz, herself a National Scientist, and Academicians Evelyn Mae Tecson-Mendoza, and Academician Ernesto del Rosario. His many

achieving students who now occupy important posts in local universities, research agencies and food processing agribusiness speak well of his stature and mentoring attributes.

After retiring from IRRI, he volunteered as consultant for 25 years to the PhilRice. Fortunately, he declined to join the PhilRice Board of Directors. Otherwise, he would have been unceremoniously and unjustly dismissed by the Ombudsman like the late National Scientist Gelia Tagumpay Castillo and Academician and Academy President William G. Padolina (see 4 and 11 February 2018 Manila Bulletin columns).

Ben Juliano who hails from Calamba was 81 when he passed away on 21 February 2018. He is survived by spouse Linda and three children, Ben Jr., Carmelinda and Benedict and four grandchildren.

Ben Juliano was one-of-a-kind. He will be missed by his kin, peers and students. We hope we can keep on producing real-life heroes and heroines of science like him.

***** Dr. Emil Q. Javier is a Member of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and also Chair of the Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines (CAMP). For any feedback, email eqjavier@yahoo.com.

Tags: American Association of Cereal Chemists, Ben Juliano, Ben Juliano cereal chemist second to none, Bienvenido Ochoa Juliano, Philippine Rice Research Institute, PhilRice, Rice Chemistry, rice starch, rice varieties, WHY NOT?

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https://business.mb.com.ph/2018/03/03/ben-julianocereal-chemist-second-to-none/

Agric Minister Audu Ogbeh Lied About The Collapse Of Thailand‘s Rice Mills?

On Friday, Audu Ogbeh, minister of agriculture, claimed that Thailand has accused President Muhammadu Buhari‘s government of being responsible for the collapse of seven of its rice mills. The minister quoted the Thailand‘s ambassador to

Nigeria as saying that the federal government has ―dealt‖ with his country. Ogbeh said this was because Nigeria‘s importation of rice has fallen by 95 percent.

http://saharareporters.com/2018/03/03/agric-ministeraudu-ogbeh-lied-about-collapse-thailand’s-rice-mills

Fortified Rice Market Analysis by Trends, Opportunities, Challenges, Demand & Forecast March 3, 2018 - by info@htfmarketreport.com

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https://thefinancialconsulting.com/fortified-ricemarket-analysis-by-trends-opportunities-challengesdemand-forecast/216729/ The Sunday Times gets invited for COL Cabinet sub-committee meeting; chairman says invitation was “an accident�

By Kasun Warakapitiya

View(s): 664

A Cabinet sub-committee on the Cost of Living this week was told by officials and SLFP Minister Mahinda Amaraweera that the country would be importing more rice than was required if it went ahead with estimates previously provided by officials to the sub-committee.

Rice imports were not revised with the anticipated rice harvest, the sub-committee chaired by UNP Minister Malik Samarawickrama was told. The revelation was made at the sub-committee following a front page exposure in the Sunday Times last week that the Industry and Commerce Ministry was continuing to issue permits to private sector rice importers despite the Agriculture Ministry claiming an anticipated bumper paddy harvest this year.

Agriculture Ministry officials were, however, not present at the high-level meeting attended by Ministers Malik Samarawickrama, Mangala Samaraweera, Mahinda Amaraweera and Rishard Bathiudeen and senior Government officials to discuss rising prices.

The Sunday Times was invited by the Industries and Commerce Ministry to attend the meeting where the newspaper report was discussed. The report said a glut of rice, the result of a bumper harvest, had not prevented the Ministry of Industry and Commerce from going ahead with more imports.

It said the move had caused concerns for the Agriculture Department, which had made recommendations to the Agriculture Ministry on the situation and sought its intervention.

As the news item report was raised, officials and members of the Cabinet sub-committee expressed their views on the current status of rice imports and the anticipated harvest of paddy.

Minister Amarawera disclosed that initially there were plans to import 500,000 metric tonnes of rice. ―If we brought that amount of rice we would not have been able to sell those stocks‘, he added.

The Minister pointed out that the rice imports were reduced, only after it was shown that the rice imports were too high. Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research Training Institute official Duminda Priyadharshanasaidstatistics indicated there would be rice stocks available for five months‘ consumption, but the figure had now gone up to seven months of stocks.

The Sunday Times last week reported that according to projections based on the Agriculture Department a harvest of 2,316 million metric tonnes of paddy was expected and the stocks should be sufficient for seven months.

Finance Ministry Secretary R.H.S. Samaratunga questioned officials on the veracity of the statistics they were quoting, but Mr. Priyadharshana pointed out that the figures had already been published by Agriculture Department.

Co-operative Wholesale Establishment (CWE) officials pointed out that private sector imports were due to continue until the end of the month. They said that permission has been granted for 87,000 metric tonnes to be imported.

Following the comments made by officials, Minister Samarawickrema said the presence of the Sunday Times journalists was not required and described the invitation to the journalists as ―an accident

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/180304/news/the-sundaytimes-gets-invited-for-col-cabinet-sub-committeemeeting-chairman-says-invitation-was-an-accident284590.html http://www.sundaytimes.lk/180304/news/the-sundaytimes-gets-invited-for-col-cabinet-sub-committeemeeting-chairman-says-invitation-was-an-accident284590.html

No money for District Secretariats, private millers grab bargains

By Kasun Warakapitiya

View(s): 141

Private millers have been moving in and purchasing the paddy harvest while the state agency the Paddy Marketing Board and District Secretaries are still waiting for money from the government.

Karuwalagaswewa: Lush paddyfields and bountiful harvest. Pix by Karuwalagaswewa Jayaratne

This is the complaint heard across the districts from farmers who are gathering their rice harvest.

The PMB chief admits that money for paddy purchases has not yet been made available by the government. The Cabinet says funds have been approved.

District Secretaries have not got money from the government either.

In the meantime, rice imports by the private sector will be reviewed at the end of March, although farmer organisations say it may be too late.

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Mahinda Amaraweera, who is a member of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Cost of Living, told the Sunday Times that private rice imports will be allowed until the end of March, while halting government imports.

He believes that there is more than 100,000 metric tonnes of rice in the state-run Co-operative Wholesale Establishment and that there was no need for more state imports.

Mr Amaraweera said that Cabinet approval had been given to release funds from the Treasury to the Paddy Marketing Board for paddy purchases.

Meanwhile, farmers in areas where the rice crop is being harvested, complained that they are not able to sell at the stipulated price. The PMB has not started purchases, yet. Instead private buyers are moving in.

The government is offering Rs 38 per kilo of Nadu and Rs 41 for a kilo of Samba.

Most farmers say they have no choice but to sell their produce to the millers because they have to settle loans and pay for the agri machines and labor.

Some farmers do not have storage space, so selling quickly is the best option.

The All Island Farmers Federation, national organiser, Namal Karunaratne said paddy prices are between Rs 24 and Rs 25 a kilo.

He said that the government has yet to provide the funds to District Secretaries for paddy purchases. ―They claim that the paddy stores are open and there is ample space but still they are unable to purchase the paddy,‘‘ he said.

As a result, the large-scale millers and middlemen are buying up paddy at low prices.

Mr Karunaratne also said the PMB cannot purchase the entire harvest.

He accused large-scale millers of creating an artificial shortage of rice, thus creating an opening for rice imports. They buy up the harvest and release a small quantity of milled rice to the market. ―Although the paddy purchase prices are very low, several large-scale millers are controlling the supply of rice, keeping prices at between Rs 95 and Rs 110,‘‘ he explained.

Meanwhile, farmers and small-scale millers said middlemen and large-scale millers are buying up the harvest at cheap rates.

Indika Paranawithana, president of Kantale Govi Viyapara Ekamuthuwa, said that in Trincomalee, the PMB has not yet begun purchases, despite claiming readiness to do so.

The District Secretary has not yet started purchases because funds from the government are delayed, he said.

Farmer, Wasantha Piyasiri, who is also convenor of the Ampara Farmers Association said large-scale millers are offering Rs 28 for a kilo of Nadu and Rs 30 for a kilo of Samba.

W D K Mudith Perera, a small-scale rice miller, who is also secretary to the All Ceylon Rice Producers‘ Association, said paddy prices have fallen in Ampara, Trincomalee, Kilinochchi and in the north.

He estimates that since paddy prices have fallen, a kilo of Nadu could be sold at Rs 74. ―The large-scale rice millers are fixing rice prices based on the average cost of their large stocks, but small-scale millers can only sell at cost,‖ he said.

He also claimed that state banks, too, provide more financial support to large-scale millers since they can repay, but the small-scale millers who are in need of financial support, are neglected.

He said that the government should maintain mills to support millers facing difficulties.

Meanwhile at the Cost of Living Committee held on Wednesday P.M.B. chairman M.B Dissanayake said that the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment (CWE) will provide them the money they requested from them. He explained that Minister Rishad Bathuiudeen has promised to provide the requested Rs. 900 Million. ―We are ready to purchase, our stores are open. The only issue is money. The District Secretaries have not received money. If they receive money they can purchase paddy even tomorrow,‖ he said.

He said that the harvest had been collected in the districts of Trincomalee, Ampara, and the northern regions.

He explained that the harvest in the Polonnaruwa District had not been collected, but in Batticaloa and Kilinochchi, the harvest had been bigger than usual. ―There is a price reduction in some districts. The farmers sell paddy at prices ranging from Rs 29, but we buy fresh paddy for Rs 32, while Rs 38 is paid for a kilo of dry Nadu,‘‘ Dissanayake said.

Duminda Priyadarshana, the head of Marketing and Food Policy of the Agrarian Business Division of Hector Kobbakaduwa Agrarian Research Training Institute, said that there was rice to last seven months.

He said that according to the Agriculture Department‘s report a harvest from 814,311 hectares had been expected, but the final harvest came from 601,302 hectares.

Mr Priyadarshana said 27 metric tonnes of paddy would be harvested. This will yield 7.5 MT of rice, which would be enough until August. The harvest had been about 75 percent of last year‘s.

He expects the Yala harvest to be be enough four months. ―I believe that there is ample paddy in the country. With this season‘s harvest and the next season, the locals can be fed for 10 months,‖ he said.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/180304/news/no-moneyfor-district-secretariats-private-millers-grabbargains-284438.html

Researchers to release new red rice cultivar March 2 2018 - by Eric Schroeder Share This: Search for similar articles by keyword: [Rice], [USDA]

Susan McCouch, professor of plant breeding and genetics, with grains of Scarlett, a new red rice cultivar. Photo by Jason Koski, University Photography.

ITHACA, NEW YORK, U.S. — Scarlett, a new red whole grain rice featuring a nutty, rich flavor, will be released later this year thanks to the collaborative work of researchers from Cornell University and the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The researchers said the red rice cultivar is packed with nutrients, and the red bran on the rice contains high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids that are common in redcolored grains and fruits. ―If people find brown rice nutritious and delicious, this rice is even better,‖ said Susan McCouch, professor of plant breeding and genetics, who co-developed Scarlett with collaborator Anna McClung, director and research leader at the USDA Agricultural Research Service‘s Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas, U.S.

McCouch and her team were responsible for the back-crossing between the two rice parents and the genetic analysis, while McClung performed the phenotypic evaluation and made the final breeding selection.

The researchers‘ field trials showed Scarlett to be high yielding and disease resistant, while also growing well under organic conditions. The cultivar is being commercially produced and will be available to the public later this year, the researchers said.

Scarlett is a cross between a U.S. long-grain tropical japonica variety called ―Jefferson‖ and a strain of Oryza rufipogon, the wild ancestor of Asian rice, collected in Malaysia.

The researchers said it will be the first time a cultivated rice variety with a red pericarp (the seed‘s bran layer), will be released in the United States.

The new red rice cultivar has been adapted to subtropical climates of the southern United States, and also may be grown in Uruguay and Argentina. McCouch said the rice also may be grown in parts of West Africa and Asia, but the grain quality may not be preferred by people in that region

http://www.worldgrain.com/articles/news_home/World_Grain_News/20 18/03/Researchers_to_release_new_red.aspx?ID={0D F2F138-2945-4AC4-98FB-041E280A29F5}&cck=1

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/mar kets/commodities/news/gold-prices-gainon-softer-dollar/articleshow/63179946.cms

IRRI to set up Regional Innovative Centre in Nellore THE HANS INDIA | Mar 04,2018 , 03:55 AM IST

IRRI scientists inspecting groundnut crop at Pothireddypalem in Kovur mandal on Saturday

Nellore: International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is going to set up its Regional Innovative Centre in the district and for which a team of scientists from the institute visited proposed sites in and around Nellore on Saturday. Dr Matthew Morrell, Director General of IRRI, along with his team members inspected the lands for the proposed Regional Centre.

Vice Chancellor of Acharya NG Ranga Agriculture University V Damodar Naidu and District Collector R Mutyala Raju also accompanied the team of scientists for inspecting the lands at Pothireddypalem in Kovur mandal and at Narikellapalli panchayat under Muthukur mandal.

They interacted with local farmers in Narikellapalli village and enquired about groundnut crop being cultivated by the farmers. Dr Matthew Morrell enquired the farmers about yielding status of the crop. Further, the team of scientists visited Agriculture Research Station in Nellore and collected information about rice varieties developed by ARS scientists. They said the team was visiting to conduct a study on possibilities for setting up the Regional Innovative Centre as part of the MoU with the State government.

The MoU was inked with the State government in the presence of the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu along with Agriculture Minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy at Amaravati on Friday. The Director General of IRRI has in principle agreed to establish an IRRI Regional Innovation Centre in Andhra Pradesh. Earlier, Agriculture Minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy visited the IRRI head office in Manila, Philippines, with a team of officials.

IRRI had already entered into an agreement with the Agricultural University to train its scientists, economists and statisticians in March last. It has already entered into an agreement to establish a satellite-based rice monitoring system in one of the campuses of the agricultural universities. Further, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved the establishment of IRRI, South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) at campus of National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC) in Varanasi. And, this would be the Regional Centre in South India.

Collector R Mutyala Raju explained to team members about the feasibilities to set up Regional Centre in the district. Team of scientists included Nafees Meah,

Aravind Kumar, Aldas Janaiah, Vikas Kumar Singh, Rubina Nisht, APIIC Chairman P Krishnaiah and Nellore RDO D Haritha were also present.

http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/ Andhra-Pradesh/2018-03-04/IRRI-to-set-upRegional-Innovative-Centre-inNellore/363247

Walnuts, pistachio, cashew duty rates may be fixed on volume By Madhvi Sally , ET Bureau| Mar 05, 2018, 11.18 AM IST

0Comments

"The percentage duty mechanism has all the porosity for cheating."

NEW DELHI: Indian agro companies are expecting government to levy duty rate on walnuts, pistachio and cashew on volume (specific rate of duty) instead of value percentage (ad-valorem duty), similar to the current duty structure on almonds. They say that the move was good as it would prevent the scope of under invoicing which was leading to revenue loss for the government and bring in transparency in trade. “The trade expects commodities whose import is in huge quantity like walnut, cashews and pistachios to be levied duty on volume basis this year. The finance ministry will be taking the decision. This will bring transparency in trade, compliance, facilitate importer and ensure price parity pan India,� says Amit Lohani, convener of the Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI). Other major commodities from apples and lentils, pulses to oilseeds can also come in the ambit, says the trade.

The trade also want the government to annually evaluate the duty amount depending on global trade prices of the commodity. Currently, the basis duty rate imposed by the government on imported almonds in shell was Rs 35 a kg and Rs 65 a kg for almonds shelled while for walnuts in shell it was 30 per cent. Keith Sunderlal, an agribusiness marketing special from The SCS Group, says that the Indian importer will warmly welcome a specific duty over the current ad-valorem tariff structure. “This eliminates management of the product import and valuation process and lets the trade compete against each other purely on product quality and their marketing abilities,” he said.

The move will also prevent the scope of under invoicing which was leading to revenue loss to the government, says Tamanna Chaturvedi, assistant professor, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. However, Chaturvedi says that it was a loss for companies who were under invoicing as they will have to pay larger duties. “To stop corruption, this measure was being under taken in developed countries for e.g. Korea for sesame seeds and USA for cheese etc,” she added.

The EU has fixed duty on rice imports at Euro 175 per tonne, informs Vijay Setia, president, All India Rice Exporter’s Association. “The percentage duty mechanism has all the porosity for cheating.To protect Indian industry and farmers all agro commodities from dry fruits, fresh fruits and fats should be charged fix duty on per tonne basis. Corruption at ports by custom officer can be taken care and government will get revenue,” he said.

Economic Times India

Telangana govt to keep hawk eye on PDS rice godowns Roushan Ali| TNN | Updated: Mar 4, 2018, 08:52 IST

HYDERABAD: Every district will have a command control centre to keep a hawkeye on the godowns-cum-supply points of rice for public distribution system.

After setting up a command centre at the state level in Hyderabad to track movement of vehicles carrying PDS rice, the government has decided to have micro level monitoring at district and mandal levels to check any possibility of diversion of PDS rice and irregularities in weighing of rice. Already, all the godowns have been fitted with cameras and vehicles with GPS .

In a separate development on Saturday, Anand urged Union food and civil supplies secretary Ravikanth to use his good offices and ensure release of of 4,047 crore arrears to Telangana due for various transactions in civil supplies and PDS.

Get latest news & live updates on the go on your pc with News App. Download The Times of India news app for your device. Read more City news in English and other languages.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hy derabad/govt-to-keep-hawk-eye-on-pdsrice-godowns/articleshow/63154412.cms

Blackbirds causing problems for rice farmers Posted: Mar 02, 2018 4:27 AM PSTUpdated: Mar 02, 2018 6:58 AM PST

By Josh Meny CONNECT

Acadia Parish -

In Acadiana, blackbirds are causing problems for rice farmers and their harvests. Those farmers are teaming up with the LSU AgCenter and the USDA to combat that problem.

Every year, millions of blackbirds settle in Acadiana after flying south for winter.

"They form into huge flocks, and for a little while, it's a good thing because they're eating weed seeds, but once we start planting rice, they can attack and eat the rice in the rice fields," explained LSU Ag Rice Research Center Coordinator Don Groth.

"They'll start as soon as the seed is put out into the field and go all the way through actually pulling the growing plant," said GF&P Zaunbrecher Farms Co-Owner Fred Zaunbrecher.

Farmers say huge flocks of blackbirds can take out a whole field in days.

Their solution is treating rice seeds with the chemical Starlicide.

Farmers say that the chemical is specifically made to target blackbirds and is safe for the crops and the environment.

"Only about one percent of the seed is treated, and it's put out at the specific roosting areas about the time we start planting rice," said Zaunbrecher.

For farmers, this program is saving them time and money.

"We're looking at millions of dollars potentially because it costs $80 to $300 per acre to plant a rice field for just the seed," explained Groth.

LSU Ag agents also say the program helps local songbird species who have to compete against the invasive blackbirds for resources.

http://www.katc.com/story/37627976/black birds-are-causing-problems-for-ricefarmers

Bayer Partners with IRRI to Advance Technologies for Direct Seeded Rice in Asia

March 2, 2018       

Posted By: Matt Hopkins | Email

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The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Bayer have signed an agreement confirming Bayer‘s participation in the Direct Seeded Rice Consortium (DSRC) led by IRRI. The DSR is developing a comprehensive, science-based, agronomic package adapted for direct seeded rice production in Asia, making direct seeded rice accessible and widely available to rice farmers, thereby enhancing the economic and ecological sustainability of rice production in Asia.

Manual puddled transplanted rice (PTR) is the predominant method of rice production in Asia.

Despite benefits associated with this method including good weed control, PTR is a highly resource intensive (labor, water, and energy) practice. Puddled flooded rice systems are also a major methane emitter — an important greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.

Drudgery involved in manually transplanting rice seedlings in paddy soil, a job which is largely done by women farmers, is also a concern. This contributes to the unwillingness of young people to enter the profession. All these factors are making PTR less sustainable, less profitable, and less attractive to farmers.

Direct seeded rice (DSR) has emerged as an efficient and economically viable alternative to PTR as it saves scarce and expensive resources such as labor and water, and reduces GHG emissions.

Recently, DSR has been widely practiced in many Asian countries such as Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Many other countries including South Asia are going through this transition from manual transplanting to mechanized DSR. In the future, with labor and water becoming increasingly scarce and expensive, alternative rice establishment methods which are labor and water efficient, such as DSR, will be the preferred method of rice cultivation.

IRRI has developed a unique technology platform and expertise that will be used to address technical questions and produce a science-based package of technical recommendations and

good practices for the development of direct seeded rice in Asia. Closer public-private sector collaboration, as well as inputs from the private and NGO sectors, are required to enhance innovation and optimize a science-based integrated approach on all aspects of direct seeded rice technology. The new DSRC aims at providing a new momentum for such multi-sectoral collaboration to address complex issues related to direct seeded rice. ―Bayer is pleased to partner with IRRI to promote direct seeded rice in Asia,‖ said Simon Thorsten Wiebusch, Country Group Head for Southeast Asia of Bayer‘s Crop Science division, who also sits on the Advisory Board of the DSRC. ―Rice is gold for the smallholder farmers in Asia — it is more than just food for them; it is also their livelihood. In line with our smallholder farming initiative, we are happy to join the DSRC, and contribute to the development and promotion of direct seeded rice production through various innovations such as our SeedGrowth offering, mechanization, and digital farming solutions, as well as linking up value chain partners and service providers to the farmers who would have no access otherwise.‖ ―Innovation in technology is essential to nourish the world in a safe, inclusive and sustainable way,‖ adds Dr. Remy Bitoun, Head of IRRI Tech Transfer. ―To improve food security and sustainability, all stakeholders — public and private — must work together and share their expertise. Our new Public Private Partnership, the DSR, will contribute to improved resource management that will benefit rice farmers and the environment. It will also provide an effective, science-based assessment of new technologies relevant to direct seeding, and impact acceleration of the most promising technologies.‖ The DSRC platform aims to improve crop management practices to maximize the advantages of direct seeded rice. In addition, the DSRC will publicize science-based information on DSR rice technology, including better information to help policymakers define national rice development strategies. Capacity building activities and training activities will also be conducted for both the public and private sectors.

Under the agreement, Bayer will provide access to Bayer-owned genetic materials (hybrids), seed, and drone technologies, as well as in-kind activities for DSRC research and testing. The DSRC will also contribute to the Sustainable Rice Platform‘s objectives. Learn more at www.sustainablerice.org.

http://www.agribusinessglobal.com/market s/asia/bayer-partners-with-irri-to-advancetechnologies-for-direct-seeded-rice-inasia/

From almonds to rice, climate change could slash California crop yields by 2050

Walnut trees at a farm in Byron, Calif. An analysis of nearly 90 studies finds warming temperatures may alter where key crops grow across the state, which provides around two-thirds of America's produce.

/DAVID PAUL MORRIS/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES Ezra David Romero | Capital Public Radio | March 2, 2018

Climate change could decrease the yield of some crops in California by up to 40 percent by 2050. That's a big deal for farmers in the state, which provides around two-thirds of the nation's produce.

California farmers grow more than 400 commodity crops. Tapan Pathak, a University of California Cooperative Extension specialist based in California's Central Valley, and his research team analyzed 89 studies on climate change and discovered that warming temperatures may alter where crops grow across the state. Their findings were published in the journal Agronomy.

"In order to make California agriculture more sustainable, we have to act now," Pathak says.

As the climate continues to change and drought and heat waves become more frequent, Pathak says the challenges agriculture will face are going to intensify. He's referring to things like how the lack of cold temperatures will impact trees that need a certain number of chill-hours, or sleep each year, as well as increased impacts from pests and diseases.

"That could adversely impact yields and production for some highly valued crops in California," Pathak says. The study reports "several fruit and nut crops are losing yield and decreasing in acreage . . . as a direct consequence of increased winter and nighttime temperatures."

The study also points out that climatic conditions — warming temperatures and a shrinking snowpack — by the end of the 21st century may make it difficult for the state to even support some of its main tree crops. The study suggests that by the middle of the century, California's Central Valley won't be able to support crops like peaches, walnuts and apricots. That number jumps to 90 percent by the end of the century. Almonds, avocados, cherries, table grapes, corn, tomatoes, rice, strawberries and others are expected to suffer crop yields as well.

Walnuts would be the hardest-hit crop because they "require the highest number of chill hours, implying a future decline in walnut acreage within the valley," the authors report. Nearly 99 percent of the nation's supply of the crop originate from California and support around three-quarters of the global supply of the nut.

But Pathak says crops planted yearly, like alfalfa, could yield more as temperatures increase. The study also says wine grapes will see small declines in yield.

What can be done now to mitigate this?

The study's authors say the California agricultural industry needs to take breeding research seriously by testing for heat-tolerant varieties. The report also urges the industry to figure out regional "management practices that can extend crops' winter dormancy periods. Since different crops react to

temperature changes differently, research efforts on climate adaptation should be crop-specific," the study reports.

While California farmers and ranchers have long experienced fluctuations in weather, the authors say that "the increased rate and scale of climate change is beyond the realm of experience for the agricultural community." And that may translate into food security issues at the state and national level.

Peter Gleick, an expert in climate and water for the Oakland-based Pacific Institute, read the study and says, "it is critical that we start making decisions now to reduce the threats later."

Gleick says even though some crops will fare better than others, "impacts will be deeply negative, especially if we are not more aggressive about both reducing emissions and putting in place more climate resilient agriculture."

He says farmers must take an active role in addressing climate change and the state is going to need to help by expanding "efforts to help communities that will be negatively affected by changes we won't be able to avoid."

This story comes to us from member station Capital Public Radioin Sacramento.

Copyright 2018 Capital Public Radio. To see more, visit Capital Public Radio.

Rice importation still needed, says PhilRice Research agency says no shortage of staple, stock enough for 87 days By: Anselmo Roque- @inquirerdotnet Philippine Daily Inquirer / 06:25 AM March 02, 2018

Farmers thresh newly harvested palay at a farm in Labrador town, Pangasinan province.

—WILLIE LOMIBAO SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ—Rice stocks from last year‘s harvests and this year‘s cropping season assure the country of supply for three months but there is still need to import as augmentation during the lean months of production, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) here said.

A team of PhilRice economists, led by Deputy Executive Director Flordeliza Bordey, collected data for a study on rice security, self-sufficiency and competitiveness.

Highest production ―We have rice stock of almost 3 million metric tons of rice in the first quarter of 2018 that is enough for 87 days,‖ the PhilRice said in a statement.

The study said the country achieved the highest production last year at 19.3 million MT of palay. This was equivalent to 12.5 million MT of milled rice.

Together with the 900,000 MT of imported rice and the carry-over stock of 2.7 million MT from 2017, the country has 16.1 million MT in the first quarter of this year.

The prevailing stock will be boosted by the 2.9 million MT harvest in the first quarter.

Filipinos consume 110 kilograms of rice per year but the demand also includes raw materials for value-added products, animal feed and spoilage, thus increasing the annual consumption rate.

A National Food Authority employee inspects the agency‘s rice stock at its warehouse in Baguio City amid reports of low supply of cheap rice in the market. —EV ESPIRITU Necessary Importation remains necessary because the bulk of palay harvest occurs at the fourth quarter of each year, PhilRice said. ―It should be understood that there is seasonality of rice production, which is 23 percent in the first quarter, 21 percent in the second quarter, 16 percent in the third quarter and 40 percent in the fourth quarter,‖ it said. ―Therefore, the timing for the importation is of the essence, as the stock of rice goes down especially during the third quarter, which constitutes the lean months.‖

The imported rice would help guard against sudden price fluctuations in the market, it added.

Resignation call During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Senators Grace Poe and Bam Aquino called on National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Jason Aquino to resign for allegedly failing to act on the agency‘s mandate to maintain a buffer stock and stabilize the supply and prices of rice.

Sought for comment on calls for Aquino‘s resignation, NFA spokesperson Rex Estoperez said: ―The senators are in the legislative branch while we are in the executive branch. Both have the right to say what they want to say. As for us, we are still trying to find concrete and immediate solutions to replenish our stocks.‖

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/972337/rice-importation-still-needed-saysphilrice#ixzz58xoQIuCM Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/972337/rice-importation-still-needed-says-philrice

Anti-GMO group plans to sue New Zealand food safety regulator over Golden Rice approval Lester Wan | Food Navigator | March 2, 2018

Campaign group GE-Free New Zealand is considering taking legal action against regulator Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the Minister for Food Safety for the approval of foods containing genetically-modified golden rice to be sold in the country.

Towards the end of last year, FSANZ had approved the application by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), which cultivated the GR2E rice.

Last month, GE-Free NZ urged the minister, Damien O‘Connor, to urge FSANZ to review their approval.

According to the IRRI, the GR2E rice was developed to express elevated levels of provitamin A (mainly β- carotene) in its rice endosperm, which is converted in the body to vitamin A.

The IRRI wants the GR2E rice to be cultivated for humanitarian purposes in developing countries including Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines, which are at high risk of vitamin A deciency and where 30–70% of energy intake is derived from rice. ...

GE-Free NZ has since met the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) to raise concerns about what it says is ―the total absence of data‖ relating to safety of the GM rice for consumers.

However, MPI staff responded that any concern would have to be addressed to the minister himself, as their assessment had been done.

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2018/03/0 2/anti-gmo-group-plans-sue-new-zealandfood-safety-regulator-golden-riceapproval/

Rice Noodles Market in APAC Market Sales, Revenue and Market Share -Research and Projection 2022 March 1, 2018 - by sumant.d

Rice Noodles Market in APAC market is forecasted to grow at CAGR of 5.11% from 2018-2022. The Rice Noodles Market in APAC Market is analyzed for major factors such as consumer needs and changes observed in them over time, market sales in terms of value and volume, emerging opportunities, market growth trends, factors driving this market, threats associated with them and market performance of key vendors along with key regions. Report includes regional analysis of APAC region.

Rice Noodles Market in APAC Market Report’s accurate and update market data will help to find answers to following questions:  

What will be the market size in 2022 and what will be the growth rate?

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What is your competitive advantage, and how to strategize accordingly?

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What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors in Rice Noodles Market in APAC market?

Request a Sample of Report @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/request-sample/11293141 Rice NoodlesRice noodles are manufactured using rice and are typically popular in Eastern and Southeast Asian cuisines due to their texture, which is slightly springy and chewy. They have a delicate flavor that goes well with all kinds of sauces and seasonings. This variety of noodles is available in fresh, dried, or frozen forms, as well as in different shapes and thickness.

Market driverOne driver in the market is increasing demand for gluten-free products in APAC. The gluten-free food market is gradually increasing in APAC countries such as China and Australia owing to the increase in the number of health-conscious people and the rise in awareness about celiac diseases. There is no medication available currently to treat this disease, and the only way to avoid it is to switch to a gluten-free diet. Likewise, other factors such as the increase in the number of digestive health problems, weight management issues, and increasing requirement for nutritious food are propelling the demand for gluten-free food items.

Market challenge • Increasing launches of other varieties of noodles in APAC • For a full, detailed list, view our report Market trend • Variety of flavors available in rice noodles • For a full, detailed list, view our report Vendor analysis delivers valuable information of their Market position, their Organizational developments, Strengths and weakness, Segment focus, Geographic focus, Business segments. The Rice Noodles Market in APAC market report consist of such vendor analysis of following vendors: –

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Leong Guan Food Manufacturer NISSIN FOODS President Rice Products THAITAN FOODS INTERNATIONAL THAI PRESERVED FOOD FACTORY and many more.

For Pre-order inquiry of Rice Noodles Market in APAC Market Report, contact us @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/11293141 Some of the essential topics covered in this report are: –    

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Market Landscape: Market Ecosystem, Market Characteristics, Market Segmentation Analysis Market Sizing: Market Definition, Market Sizing 2018, Market Size and Forecast 2018-2022 Five Forces Analysis: Bargaining Power of Buyers, Bargaining Power of Suppliers, Threat of New Entrants, Threat of Substitutes, Threat of Rivalry, Market Condition Market Segmentation by End-User: Segmentation by End-User, Comparison by EndUser, Residential & Non-Residential – Market Size and Forecast 2018-2022, Market Opportunity by End-User Market Segmentation by Product Vendor Landscape: Overview, Landscape Disruption, Competitive Scenario Vendor Analysis: Vendors Covered, Vendor Classification, Market Positioning of Vendors

Purchase Rice Noodles Market in APAC Market report @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/purchase/11293141 In short, the report provides the essential positions to evaluate the global market for Rice Noodles Market in APAC. The report is designed for companies and individuals who want a complete understanding the Rice Noodles Market in APAC market. The report makes it easy for you to compare across different countries and product groups to pinpoint new market opportunities, also to make profitable and practical business decisions.

SOURCE Facts Week https://factsweek.com/

https://factsweek.com/188983/ricenoodles-market-in-apac-market-salesrevenue-and-market-share-research-andprojection-2022/

Asia Rice-Supply dip perks up India prices; lack of deals hurt Thai rates Koustav Samanta 3 MIN READ

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BENGALURU, March 2 (Reuters) - Rice prices in top exporter India snapped a three-week losing streak on lower supplies and a slight improvement in demand, while rates for the staple grain eased in Thailand and Vietnam due to lack of deals and the beginning of a new harvest.

India’s 5 percent broken parboiled rice prices RI-INBKN5-P1 rose by $5 per tonne to $419-$423 per tonne.

A drop in the Indian rupee capped the upside in rice export prices in dollar terms, said an exporter based in Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

“Local rice prices have risen due to falling supplies in central and eastern states. Demand has also slightly improved from Bangladesh,” said another exporter based in Kakinada.

Bangladesh, which has emerged as a major rice importer since 2017 after floods damaged its crops, imported more than 3 million tonnes from July to February, its biggest ever haul, exceeding its previous annual rice import record in just eight months, the food ministry data showed.

The country could buy more rice in the next few months, given the high prices of the staple in domestic markets, a food ministry official said.

“From today, we are resuming subsidized rice sales to help the poor and bring down local prices,” the official added.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s benchmark 5 percent broken rice rates RI-THBKN5PI slipped to $395-$400 per tonne, free on board (FOB) Bangkok, compared with $404-$410 last week.

The drop in prices was due to flat demand and a lack of major deals on the horizon, traders said.

“On top of the lack of demand, there was also some new rice entering the market,” a Bangkok-based rice trader said.

Thailand, the world’s second-biggest rice exporter, is expecting new rice harvest in April but due to heavy rain and flood in some areas last year, some crops were grown much later and are being harvest off-season.

Prices are expected to drop further if there is no new demand while new crops enter the market, traders said.

Vietnam’s 5-percent broken rice RI-VNBKN5-P1 edged lower to $410-$415 a tonne from $415-$420 a week earlier, as farmers have started harvesting for the winter-spring paddy, traders said on Friday.

“Demand was not too strong, especially when Thai rice is still cheaper...

Vietnam’s prices were kept afloat, thanks to some government-togovernment deals,” said a Ho Chi Minh City-based trader.

Prices might change vastly after the next two weeks when harvest come into full swing, traders said, adding the market is still eyeing the Philippines’s plan to import 250,000 tonnes of rice.

Vietnam’s rice exports in the first two months of 2018 rose an estimated 14.6 percent from the same period last year to 842,000 tonnes, official data showed. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai, Panu Wongcha-um in Bangkok, Ruma Paul in Dhaka and Mai Nguyen in Hanoi; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri) Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

https://in.reuters.com/article/asia-rice/asiarice-supply-dip-perks-up-india-prices-lackof-deals-hurt-thai-rates-idINL4N1QK3QW

3,574 bags of smuggled rice have been seized in Calabar 3,574 bags of imported rice making their way from Cameroon, were seized by the Navy in Calabar.    

Published: 02.03.2018 Jude Egbas Print eMail

play Nigeria has a sweet tooth for foreign rice (Pinnacle health radio)

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The Nigerian Navy impounded 3,574 bags of foreign rice worth N53.6 million which were making their way illicitly into the country from Cameroon; one humid day in February. The goods were confiscated in Calabar, South of Nigeria.

The naval personnel who seized the rice are attached to the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory (NNSV) in Calabar.

Commander of NNSV, Commodore Julius Nwagu told newsmen that the arrest was made along the Calabar waterway in the early hours of February 27, 2018.

Nwagwu said the Navy acted on a tip-off which detailed the activities of the smugglers.

'Two days to offload' “It took us two and a half days to offload the content. After counting, we got 3, 574 bags valued at N53.6million”, Nwagwu said, adding that three suspects have been arrested over the incident.

The impounded bags of rice were thereafter handed to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS)for a public incineration.

Sweet tooth Nigeria possesses a disturbing sweet tooth for imported rice and other imported products.

The Muhammadu Buhari administration has outlined a policy that revolves around zero importation of rice and other foreign products.

The administration has been encouraging Nigerians to patronize local produce as the nation seeks to diversify an economy tied to the value of oil in the international market.

“We must produce what we consume and consume what we produce”, has been the mantra of the Buhari administration.

"This is a country that spent USD5million every day importing rice; we're not doing that anymore”, presidency spokesperson Garba Shehu boasted in a recent interview.

http://www.pulse.ng/news/local/3-574bags-of-smuggled-rice-seized-by-navy-incalabar-id8058088.html

Sri Lanka wholesale rice prices fall dramatically in February

Mar 02, 2018 08:27 AM GMT+0530 | 0 Comment(s)

ECONOMYNEXT - Sri Lanka's wholesale rice prices at the Marandagahamula market, which is a benchmark for the rest of the country has fallen dramatically in February with key grades down 20 percent from December 2017, as domestic harvests start to come in.

Marandagahamula Samba, a domestic premium rice fell to 82.30 rupees a kilogram on February 23, plunging 27.1 percent from 104.63 rupees a kilo peak reached on December 29, according to central bank data.

Marandagamula White Kekulu (Raw) rice fell from 20.3 percent from 90.75 rupees a kilo in December 29, to 75.40 rupees in February 23.

Marandagamula Red Raw fell 7.5 percent to 83.25 rupees a kilo to 77.00 rupees a kilogram.

Marandagamula Nadu, a popular grade used widely in mass-market rice takeway market (buth packet) rice fell 21.75 percent to 75.70 rupees a kilo from 96.50 rupees a kilo.

Sri Lanka main Maha (winter/spring) harvest is now coming in with this year's harvest expected to rise 57 percent as the rice growing regions recover from a drought.

The high prices last year helped cushion farmer incomes, as output halved.

Global rice prices are still high. Over 2017 rice prices have risen 20 to 30 percent in rice exporting and importing countries.

Unlike in Sri Lanka, where rice is protected with import duties, most Asian nations produce export grade rice and good harvests pushes up farmer incomes.

In 2017 many countries in Asia were hit by drought, with India's harvests estimated to be down 30 percent in some areas, pushing up prices. Indian coconut prices also rose.

The Food and Agricultural Organization's All Rice Price Index rose 18.1 percent in the year to February 2018.

The premium aromatic rice index was up 25 percent and the higher quality Indica index was up 15.7 percent.

Many countries have blamed the usual suspects, 'errant traders' and 'speculators' for rice price hikes.

"There might be some mechanisms by dishonest businessmen," Bangladesh PM Sheik Hasina was quoted as saying in parliament.

Bangladesh has cut import duties from 28 to 10 percent amid rising prices, the report said. Sri Lanka also cut import duties last year as prices rose amid a drought.

Sri Lanka's central bank also collapsed the rupee in 2015 and 2016 adding to the global rise in prices. In Sri Lanka's 'rice mafias' especially importers and millers are blamed for both hikes and falls in prices.

Sri Lanka's rice prices fall dramatically in good harvests, even when global prices are strong, as farmers who have been protected for years through import duties do not produce grades of rice that can be internationally traded.

Marandahamula benchmark wholesale prices are now at levels seen in December 2015. The government has announced floor prices for farmgate paddy (rough rice) (Colombo/Mar02/2018)

http://www.economynext.com/Sri_Lanka_w holesale_rice_prices_fall_dramatically_in_ February-3-10029.html  COLUMNISTS

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Buhari working on affordability of rice for Nigerians – Gov. Bagudu Published March 2, 2018

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Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and the Chairman, Presidential Taskforce on Rice and Wheat Production, has assured Nigerians of President Muhammadu Buhari‘s administration‘s determination to ensure rice availability and affordability.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Bagudu gave the assurance when he spoke to newsmen after meeting with the Rice Distributors Association of Nigeria and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria in Lagos on Thursday.

According to Bagudu, from the contributions of all the stakeholders, it is apparent that what Nigerians want is actually not about making subsidy available for rice production.

He said that making rice affordable and accessible such that Nigerian produced rice could be as competitive as those of the imported ones was the yearning of Nigerians.

―The mandate given to this taskforce which is under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is to ensure Nigeria attains self-sufficiency in rice and wheat production. ―But so far, the stakeholders within the value chain, either as farmers, distributors or millers are not talking about subsidy. ―What they are saying is help us tell Mr. President that we will like to have our rice at a competitive price with the so-called imported ones. ―That has to do with affordability, and I can tell you that Mr. President is committed to that,‘‘ Bagudu said.

The governor explained that the stakeholders were patriotic and interested in selling Nigerian produced rice because it is nutritious and will help to provide employment for the Nigerian populace.

On smuggled rice, Bagudu said the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control and Standard Organisation of Nigeria, had responsibilities to discharge and that government would intensify efforts in that regards.

He restated the Federal Government‘s commitment to ensure that Nigeria attained self-sustainability in food production. ―All the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory can grow rice to help to contribute to the President‘s mantra of `we must grow what we eat and eat what we grow‘.‘‘ (NAN)

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Rice research centre team calls on Naidu SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT AMARAVATI, MARCH 03, 2018 00:35 IST

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N. Chandrababu Naidu | Photo Credit: CH_VIJAYA BHASKAR

Offers to set up satellite-based innovation centre in State Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked officials of the International Rice Research Centre (IRRC), Philippines, to submit a report on the proposed production of quality paddy with low production cost.

An IRRC team comprising its Director General Matew Morell, representative of South Asia Nafees Meah, outcome-theme leader Arvind Kumar, scientist Vikas Kumar Singh, consultant Aldas Janaiah and senior associate Rubina Nishat, led by Minister for Agriculture Somiredddy Chandramohan Reddy, met Mr. Naidu on Friday.

Value addition Pointing to the fact that Andhra Pradesh was the rice bowl of India and that the State had achieved the highest growth rate in agriculture and allied

sectors, Mr. Naidu said he wanted to develop the State as the best agricultural hub.

He wanted them to present a report to set up an innovation centre in A.P. for value addition to the produce.

Mr. Morell expressed willingness to set up a satellite-based international innovation centre in A.P., saying a sub-centre was present in Varanasi.

Mr. Chandramohan Reddy briefed the Chief Minister about the infrastructure needed to set up the proposed innovation centre.

Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Damodar Naidu, Director of research N.V. Naidu, Commissioner of Agriculture Hari Jawaharlal were present.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/an dhra-pradesh/rice-research-centre-teamcalls-on-naidu/article22912661.ece

Rice importation still needed, says PhilRice 02.03.2018

| UkrAgroConsult Rice stocks from last year‘s harvests and this year‘s cropping season assure the country of supply for three months but there is still need to import as augmentation during the lean months of production, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) here said.

A team of PhilRice economists, led by Deputy Executive Director Flordeliza Bordey, collected data for a study on rice security, self-sufficiency and competitiveness. ―We have rice stock of almost 3 million metric tons of rice in the first quarter of 2018 that is enough for 87

days,‖

the

PhilRice

said

in

a

statement.

The study said the country achieved the highest production last year at 19.3 million MT of palay. This was equivalent to 12.5 million MT of milled rice.

Together with the 900,000 MT of imported rice and the carry-over stock of 2.7 million MT from 2017, the country has 16.1 million MT in the first quarter of this year.

The prevailing stock will be boosted by the 2.9 million MT harvest in the first quarter.

Filipinos consume 110 kilograms of rice per year but the demand also includes raw materials for value-added products, animal feed and spoilage, thus increasing the annual consumption rate.

A National Food Authority employee inspects the agency‘s rice stock at its warehouse in Baguio City amid reports of low supply of cheap rice in the market.

—EV ESPIRITU Necessary Importation remains necessary because the bulk of palay harvest occurs at the fourth quarter of each year, PhilRice said. ―It should be understood that there is seasonality of rice production, which is 23 percent in the first quarter, 21 percent in the second quarter, 16 percent in the third quarter and 40 percent in the fourth quarter,‖ it said. ―Therefore, the timing for the importation is of the essence, as the stock of rice goes down especially during the third quarter, which constitutes the lean months.‖ The imported rice would help guard against sudden price fluctuations in the market, it added.

Resignation

call

During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Senators Grace Poe and Bam Aquino called on National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Jason Aquino to resign for allegedly failing to act on the agency‘s mandate to maintain a buffer stock and stabilize the supply and prices of rice.

Sought for comment on calls for Aquino‘s resignation, NFA spokesperson Rex Estoperez said: ―The senators are in the legislative branch while we are in the executive branch. Both have the right to say what they want to say. As for us, we are still trying to find concrete and immediate solutions to replenish our stocks.‖

http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/riceimportation-still-needed-says-philrice

Customs intercepts smuggled 460 bags of rice concealed in petrol tanker [PHOTOS] Published on March 2, 2018 By Don Silas

The Nigeria Customs Service (NIS) has intercepted 460 bags of smuggled imported rice concealed in a petrol tank.

Mr Nasir Ahmad, the Comptroller of Customs in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara Command, told newsmen on Friday in Sokoto, that the smuggled items, which were intercepted along Sokoto-Illela road, had N7.8 million duty paid value.

Ahmad said ―When the bags of rice were removed from the tank they had been contaminated by black oil, which is dangerous to human health.‖ He, however, advised smugglers to find alternative legal means of livelihood and stop undermining the nation‘s economy.

Ahmad also urged for relevant information from the public to assist the command in tracking down smugglers

http://dailypost.ng/2018/03/02/customsintercepts-smuggled-460-bags-riceconcealed-petrol-tanker-photos/

Sokoto Customs Seizes 460 Bags of Foreign Rice Hidden in Fuel Tanker March 3, 2018 0 162

By

Mohammed

Aminu in

Sokoto

The Nigeria Customs Service, Sokoto Command comprising Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states, has intercepted a truck loaded with 460 bags of foreign rice with a duty paid value of N7.8 million.

Speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Friday, the Customs Area Controller, Mr. Nasir Ahmed, said the illicit goods were intercepted in Sokoto on its way to Suleija in Niger State.

He noted with dismay that the 460 bags of rice were hidden in a tanker that was being used to carry LPFO (black oil).

Ahmad posited that consumption of such rice posed serious health risk to Nigerians.

“As you are aware, this is an oil tanker belonging to one of the major oil distributors that is used in carrying black oil. This is another

means

smugglers devise in order to evade customs officials.

“This poses serious health risk and hazard to those who consumed the rice because it has been contaminated.

Thus, toxins will get into the body system if consumed and eating this rice will land the person in hospital.

“The plan of the smugglers is to re-bag the rice and sell it to innocent Nigerians as soon as they reach their destination in Niger state. We will not allow such unscrupulous persons to put the lives of the citizens at risk,” he said.

Ahmad stated that the Command had already arrested one person in connection with the contraband.

He advised smugglers to go back to the farm and engage in rice production rather than indulge in activities that would sabotage the nation’s economy.

“The Federal Government is supporting farmers in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states to boost rice production. So, I see no reason why some unscrupulous will continue to sabotage government’s efforts.

“We must support the federal government to ensure food security in the country,” he added.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/201 8/03/03/sokoto-customs-seizes-460-bagsof-foreign-rice-hidden-in-fuel-tanker/

From Almonds To Rice, Climate Change Could Slash California Crop Yields By 2050    

Facebook Twitter Flipboard Email March 2, 201810:54 AM ET EZRA DAVID ROMERO

FROM

Walnut trees at a farm in Byron, Calif. An analysis of nearly 90 studies finds warming temperatures may alter where key crops grow across the state, which provides around two-thirds of America's produce.

David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Climate change could decrease the yield of some crops in California by up to 40 percent by 2050. That's a big deal for farmers in the state, which provides about two-thirds of the nation's produce.

California farmers grow more than 400 commodity crops. Tapan Pathak, a University of California Cooperative Extension specialist based in California's Central Valley, and his research team analyzed 89 studies on climate change and discovered that warming temperatures may alter where crops grow across the state. Their findings were published in the journal Agronomy.

"In order to make California agriculture more sustainable, we have to act now," Pathak says.

As the climate continues to change and drought and heat waves become more frequent, Pathak says the challenges agriculture will face are going to intensify. He's referring to things like how the lack of cold temperatures will impact trees that need a certain number of chill-hours, or sleep each year, as well as increased impacts from pests and diseases.

"That could adversely impact yields and production for some highly valued crops in California," Pathak says.

The study reports "several fruit and nut crops are losing yield and decreasing in acreage . . . as a direct consequence of increased winter and nighttime temperatures."

The study also points out that climatic conditions — warming temperatures and a shrinking snowpack — by the end of the 21st century may make it difficult for the state to even support some of its main tree crops. The study suggests that by the middle of the century, California's Central Valley won't be able to support crops like peaches, walnuts and apricots. That number jumps to 90 percent by the end of the century. Almonds, avocados, cherries, table grapes, corn, tomatoes, rice, strawberries and others are expected to suffer crop yields as well.

Walnuts would be the hardest-hit crop because they "require the highest number of chill hours, implying a future decline in walnut acreage within the valley," the authors report. Nearly 99 percent of the nation's supply of the crop originate from California and support around three-quarters of the global supply of the nut.

But Pathak says crops planted yearly, like alfalfa, could yield more as temperatures increase. The study also says wine grapes will see small declines in yield.

What can be done now to mitigate this?

The study's authors say the California agricultural industry needs to take breeding research seriously by testing for heat-tolerant varieties. The report also urges the industry to figure out regional "management practices that can extend crops' winter dormancy periods. Since different crops react to temperature changes differently, research efforts on climate adaptation should be crop-specific," the study reports.

While California farmers and ranchers have long experienced fluctuations in weather, the authors say that "the increased rate and scale of climate change is beyond the realm of experience for the agricultural community."

And that may translate into food security issues at the state and national level.

Peter Gleick, an expert in climate and water for the Oakland-based Pacific Institute, read the study and says, "it is critical that we start making decisions now to reduce the threats later."

Gleick says even though some crops will fare better than others, "impacts will be deeply negative, especially if we are not more aggressive about both reducing emissions and putting in place more climate resilient agriculture."

He says farmers must take an active role in addressing climate change and the state is going to need to help by expanding "efforts to help communities that will be negatively affected by changes we won't be able to avoid."       

This story comes to us from member station Capital Public Radio in Sacramento. climate change and food california agriculture climate change Facebook Twitter Flipboard Email

https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/0 3/02/590056872/from-almonds-to-riceclimate-change-could-slash-californiacrop-yields-by-2050 Trade News Comes in Threes

By Bob Cummings

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congress and the Trump Administration made headline news in the trade world this week to mixed reaction.

Yesterday the Senate confirmed Gregg Doud as Chief Agricultural Negotiator within the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). "Mr. Doud's confirmation was long overdue," said Bobby Hanks of Supreme Rice Mill in Louisiana and chair of the USA Rice International Trade Policy Committee. "We look forward to working closely with Ambassador Doud on our trade issues as he brings his policy leadership to USTR's agriculture office."

President Trump announced yesterday that he would impose import duties on steel and aluminum under a rarely used provision of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 that permits the president to restrict imports on national security grounds. The

president reportedly said the higher duties would take effect "next week."

This action is highly controversial, with the steel and aluminum industries saying protection is vital to counter unfair global competition which has spurred global over capacity and low prices. Many others, including export dependent industries like agriculture, are fearful of retaliation by countries affected by higher import duties. The EU and China, for example, have criticized the action and spoken of responding in kind.

On Monday, USTR released the agency's 2018 Trade Policy Agenda and 2017 Annual Report. The 300-plus page document lays out the President's trade policy agenda. Citing a "New era in trade policy," the report details the administration's trade priorities, including "...establishing year-round markets for U.S. rice to Colombia, Nicaragua, and China."

"USTR's focus on an assertive trade policy and strong enforcement of trade deals have long been supported and pushed by USA Rice," continued Hanks. "We're equally aware that trade and trade agreements -like NAFTA and our free trade agreement with Colombia - provide tremendous benefits to our members. We have to be smart in our actions to protect existing benefits while we pursue new access and justified claims against other countries. We will continue to deliver this message to our negotiators."

The fear of losing culture A parent wonders what her kids lose when the cultural connection disappears

Uzma Jalaluddin, in background, with sons Mustafa Merchant, right, Ibrahim Merchant, left, and her mother Azmat Jalaluddin. Culture is family, history and tradition, Uzmas writes. (AARON HARRIS / TORONTO STAR)

By UZMA JALALUDDINSpecial to the Star Thu., March 1, 2018  

 

How is culture and tradition maintained beyond first and second generation immigrants?

Without regular trips ―back home‖ or strong relationships through cultural associations, I wonder if my own kids will simply ... lose their culture. And if they do, what exactly have they lost?

These are questions I and my fellow second generation immigrant friends wonder and worry about for our children.

My kids have never visited India. They don’t know how to speak Urdu, the language I grew up with, or Malayalam, the south Indian language of my husband’s family. They also have no spicy-Indian-food game, and any time I make biryani or rajmah or palak paneer, they ask what else they can eat for dinner. They do like butter chicken, but when a curry is also a pizza-andpoutine topping choice, it loses its cultural authenticity.

A well-known Italian idiom, ―shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves in three generations,‖ refers to the accumulation and loss of wealth across generations.

In China, the saying is ―wealth never survives three generations.‖ I fear the same is true for culture.

Culture is about more than food or colourful clothing. It is a mindset, a way to experience the world and navigate one’s place within. Culture is family and history and tradition.

When my sons are asked, ―So where are you from?‖ I wonder how they will answer. My answer is easy — I was born in Canada, but my parents immigrated from India. My sons’ answer gets murkier: They were born in Canada. Their parents were born in Canada. Their grandparents immigrated from India — a country they have seen only in pictures and through the memories of others.

Being the child of South Asian immigrants was a big part of my identity growing up, and it also provided a handy cultural reference for myself and

others. http://www.katc.com/story/37627976/blackbirds-are-causingproblems-for-rice-farmers

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https://www.thestar.com/life/relationships/ opinion/2018/03/01/the-fear-of-losingculture.html Blackbirds causing problems for rice farmers Posted: Mar 02, 2018 4:27 AM PSTUpdated: Mar 02, 2018 6:58 AM PST

By Josh Meny CONNECT

Acadia Parish In Acadiana, blackbirds are causing problems for rice farmers and their harvests. Those farmers are teaming up with the LSU AgCenter and the USDA to combat that problem.

Every year, millions of blackbirds settle in Acadiana after flying south for winter.

"They form into huge flocks, and for a little while, it's a good thing because they're eating weed seeds, but once we start planting rice, they can attack and eat the rice in the rice fields," explained LSU Ag Rice Research Center Coordinator Don Groth.

"They'll start as soon as the seed is put out into the field and go all the way through actually pulling the growing plant," said GF&P Zaunbrecher Farms Co-Owner Fred Zaunbrecher.

Farmers say huge flocks of blackbirds can take out a whole field in days.

Their solution is treating rice seeds with the chemical Starlicide.

Farmers say that the chemical is specifically made to target blackbirds and is safe for the crops and the environment.

"Only about one percent of the seed is treated, and it's put out at the specific roosting areas about the time we start planting rice," said Zaunbrecher.

For farmers, this program is saving them time and money.

"We're looking at millions of dollars potentially because it costs $80 to $300 per acre to plant a rice field for just the seed," explained Groth.

LSU Ag agents also say the program helps local songbird species who have to compete against the invasive blackbirds for resources.

http://blog.lafayettetravel.com/ingrained/

Navy confiscates 3,574 bags of smuggled rice in Calabar ON MARCH 1, 20185:53 PMIN NEWS1 COMMENT Naval personnel attached to the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory in Calabar, have arrested a large wooden boat laden with 3,574 bags of foreign rice worth N53.6 million smuggled from Cameroon republic. They also arrested three suspects found in the boat that came from Cameroon and heading for Calabar. NNS Commander of NNS Victory, Commodore

Julius Nwagu, said on Thursday in Calabar that the arrest was made along the Calabar waterway in the early hours of Feb. 27, when they got information about the activities of the suspected smugglers. Addressing newsmen at the NNS Victory Jetty before handing over the items and suspects to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Nwagu said that it took the command two and half days to offload the bags of rice from the wooden boat. “In the early hours of Feb. 27, we got information about a boat laden with rice and my patrol team arrested the boat and three suspects on board. We brought the boat to base and offloaded the rice. “It took us two and a half days to offload the content. After counting, we got 3, 574 bags valued at N53.6million. “We will hand them over to the Nigerian Customs

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/navy-confiscates-3574-bags-smuggledrice-calabar/

German ambassador eats at a restaurant where even Pakistanis fear eating

Poor to gain more from making rice cheaper via scrapping of QR‘ By Bernadette D. Nicolas March 1, 2018

Converting the quantitative restriction (QR) on rice into tariffs would benefit the poor more than increasing the cash subsidies given to them, an official of the Department of Finance (DOF) said on Thursday.

In a news briefing in Malacañang, Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua also told reporters more Filipinos would benefit from the conversion of the QR on rice.

“The government’s plan is to reduce the price [of rice] so that everyone would benefit.

Because if you will give a subsidy, that means the government is taking it from the budget,” Chua said.

Aside from making rice cheaper, the DOF official said converting rice-import caps will also help the government increase its tax collection. Citing the National Economic and Development Authority’s (Neda) estimate, Chua noted that scrapping the QR would slash the price of rice by P7 per kilogram.

He added there are other ways to help the poor in case inflation accelerates, such as the provision of conditional-cash transfer (CCT) and the unconditional-cash transfer (UCT).

A total of 7.4 million families will receive a cash subsidy of P200 per month to help them cope with the increase in commodity prices following the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

Amounting to P2,400 for the whole year, the UCT will be distributed within the first quarter to 4.4 million existing beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and to 3 million indigent senior citizens.

The UCT is different from the CCT because it requires children of the beneficiaries to continue attending school to undergo regular check-ups.

Chua said 4P beneficiaries have started to receive the conditional cash transfers, adding that the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributes the UCT together with the 4P subsidy.

In an economic bulletin on the rice-sector reform, Finance Undersecretary and chief economist Gil S. Beltran said the conversion of the QR would encourage more private traders to import the staple.

Citing a Neda study, Beltran said the reduction in rice prices would be beneficial to the majority of households spending at least 20 percent of their income on rice.

The DOF’s chief economist added reducing rice prices would also help the government cut poverty as the staple is a major driver of inflation.

The first package of the TRAIN, which was implemented in January, lowered income tax rates but hiked the excise tax of fuel products, sweetened beverages and brand new vehicles.

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https://businessmirror.com.ph/poor-to-gain-more-from-making-rice-cheaper-viascrapping-of-qr/

Dangote Inaugurates Multi Billion Naira Rice Processing Plant In Jigawa The mill, with capacity to process 16 metric tons of paddy rice per hour, when completed will in a year process paddy rice worth N14 billion bought directly from the famers in Jigawa State at market rate.

By Dotun Oladipo On Mar 1, 2018 2020

The Dangote Rice Outgrower Scheme in Jigawa State reached a turning point on Thursday when the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, laid the foundation stone for the construction of a multibillion Naira rice processing mill in Hadin, Jigawa State.

The mill, with capacity to process 16 metric tons of paddy rice per hour, when completed will in a year process paddy rice worth N14 billion bought directly from the famers in Jigawa State at market rate.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony in Hadin, Kaugama Local Government Area, Dangote said the commencement of the construction of the integrated rice processing plant was the culmination of series of events, which began with the signing of a $1 billion agreement with the Federal Government for the integrated rice production in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Niger and Jigawa States.

He said: ―We have continued to pioneer new approaches to empowering our primary stakeholders and our farmers, through the Dangote outgrowers programme thereby creating thousands of jobs, increasing incomes poverty reduction in rural communities by providing high quality agro-inputs, technical support and secured market for farmers. ―Also, creating access to finance, mechanization and irrigation services so as to enhance agricultural productivity.‖ Recalling that Dangote Rice Limited started the outgrowers scheme in 2016 with thousands of hectares of land in Hadejia, Jigawa State, creating over 10,000 jobs (direct and indirect) to farmers, the business mogul said with the new ultra modern mill, enough paddy rice will be grown and harvested for processing.

According to him, the mill, which will take only months for installation and commissioning, is the first in the series of five other mills coming up in Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Niger States in the first phase, while in the second phase, other mills will be built in Nasarawa, Kogi and other states.

Dangote said: ―When these planned six mills come fully on stream, we will achieve a capacity of 700,000 metric tons per annum of par boiled rice, which will make Dangote Rice the largest rice producer in Africa and will make a bold step in making Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production, stop importation and save the nation foreign exchange ‖ Dangote stated further that towards co-creating value for all stakeholders, the company has engaged about 20,000 outgrowers who are expected to produce an average of 180,000 tons of paddy rice on about 30,000 hectares of land.

He said: ―We are focused on engaging in the region of 300,000 farmers in the next 12 months when our rice mills are all functional and we achieve steady state.

―We will continue to launch massive agricultural projects across the country in rice and dairy farming. ―Our push for backward integration in providing our own raw materials on a massive scale has led to the planned investment of $4.6 billion over the next three years in sugar, rice and dairy production alone.

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―That will eliminate the country‘s reliance on imported materials, and the foreign exchange headaches that comes with it.‖ In his opening remarks, Dangote Group Executive Director, Devakumar Edwin, explained that the Dangote Rice team has been involved in scaling up the outgrower operations to a least 5,000 hectares this season and this will very soon increase and grow to over 15,000 hectares cultivated per cycle or season to fully optimise operations. edwin said the establishment of a Multi-billion Naira state-of-the-art integrated rice processing facility to process at least 260 metric tons of rice paddy per day grown, which is produced from thousands of local rice out growers within Jigawa State, is a giant step forward and expressed his company‘s confidence and faith in local farmers to continuously stand with Dangote to make this project a success.

Located on 25 hectares site in Hadin, Edwin noted that the mill is earmarked to begin operations in the last quarter of 2018.

He said: ―During the construction phase and when it becomes fully operational, hundreds of employment opportunities will be created, knowledge transference and skills developed among our teeming youthful population thereby boosting local economy. ―The Jigawa famers are in for good times as the 125,000 metric tons of paddy rice that this plant requires for processing will be brought from the farmers of Jigawa for an estimated purchase price of N14 billion per annum. This is a huge benefit for the farmers in Jigawa. This mill will be producing high quality parboiled rice that competes with the best in the world this is in-line with our continuous aim to touch the lives of millions who believe in the Dangote brand. ―Jigawa State is endowed and blessed with vast fertile land, water resources, climate and progressive people, as well as one of the fastest growing agricultural destinations in Nigeria, was identified as an

ideal location for us to set up our first facility in Nigeria. This obviously reinforces our commitment to supporting the efforts of the present administration in developing a robust agro-industry in Nigeria. ―We made commitment to Nigerians that we will produce one million metric ton of quality par boiled rice. Since then we have embarked on several initiatives towards achieving this objective with support and collaboration from state and federal government agencies, ministries and departments, non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, traditional and financial institutions, etc., we continue to pioneer new approaches to empowering our primary stakeholders and our farmers, through the Dangote outgrower program thereby creating thousands of jobs, increasing incomes, poverty reduction in rural communities by providing high quality agro-inputs, technical support and secured market for farmers.‖ The Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, expressed delight at the stage of the Dangote Rice project in the state, saying it was in line with the vision of the Invest Jigawa, an organ set up to accelerate investments in the state.

Badaru said Jigawa is one of the States reputed to be on top on ease of doing business in Nigeria, adding that Dangote Rice presence in the state is a pointer to that fact.

He added that the state is also in the forefront of the diversification efforts of the Federal Government from oil to non oil ventures, especially agriculture.

He promised that the state will be willing to do whatever it will take to ensure the Dangote Rice operates smoothly to the satisfaction of all parties in the state. https://theeagleonline.com.ng/dangote-inaugurates-multi-billion-naira-rice-processing-plant-in-jigawa/

Indonesia aims to clean the ‗world‘s dirtiest river‘ 

Arts / Entertainment MARCH 2, 2018 BY AGENCIES

JAKARTA: The scabies on Indonesian rice farmer Yusuf Supriyadi‘s limbs are a daily reminder of the costs of living next to the ―world‘s dirtiest river‖.

Supriyadi depends on the Citarum‘s murky waters, a floating carpet of household rubbish, toxic chemicals and animal feces, to irrigate a small rice plot in West Java that sustains his family of six.

The farmer‘s rice yield is now down by two-thirds in the rainy season as textile factories dump more and more industrial waste into the river.

But he has few other options.

―There are floods during the rainy season. My hands get itchy and the harvest is damaged,‖ the 54-year-old tells AFP. ―Pollution makes my rice hollow. If I keep going I‘ll lose money, but if I don‘t, I‘ll have no other job,‖ he adds.

Now faced with a health emergency after decades of failed clean-up efforts, Jakarta is stepping in with a seemingly impossible goal: make the Citarum‘s water drinkable by 2025.

Using this polluted water is a risky calculation for many of the 30 million people who rely on it for irrigation, washing and even drinking water, including around 80 percent of residents in the sprawling capital Jakarta.

At nearly 300-kilometres long, the river is also a key source for hydroelectric power for Indonesia‘s most populated island Java and tourism hotspot Bali.

The World Bank declared it the most-polluted river in the world a decade ago, a description widely picked up by media and environmentalists.

Waste levels can vary depending on how pollution is measured and the time of the year.

But the Citarum is dangerous by almost any standard.

Previous research has shown it has alarming levels of toxic chemicals, including 1,000 times more lead than the US standard for safe drinking water.

It regularly appears on most-polluted lists alongside India‘s Ganges river, the Mississippi River in the United States and China‘s Yellow River.

‘Not playing around’ In January, Jakarta yanked responsibility away from local government and vowed to get tough on business owners who ignore wastedisposal rules.

Factories that fall short could have operating permits revoked.

And CCTV cameras are to be installed along the river‘s banks to keep an eye out for offenders dumping waste in the early morning hours to evade detection.

Meanwhile, dredging equipment will be used to clean up the filthy river, said Djoko Hartoyo, a spokesman for the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. ―We are not playing around this time,‖ he added. ―We‘re going in with a holistic approach so we are optimistic we can make Citarum clean again, just like it was 50 or 60 years ago.‖ In the 1980s, a new industrial zone sprang up around the small town of Majalaya, about 170 kilometres east of Jakarta, and things quickly changed for the pristine river.

Some 2,000 area textile factories have provided much-needed jobs, but it came with a heavy cost: about 280 tons of industrial waste are dumped into the river each day, according to government and environmental group data.

Making matters worse, many locals think nothing of tossing their household waste into its toxic waters. ―When it rains and my house gets flooded, the smell is awful,‖ Achmad Fachrureza said from inside an inflatable dingy, as he navigated the river‘s styrofoam containers, fabric, empty cans, plastic bottles and garbage bags.

The 57-year-old villager said he was sacked from his job as a textile factory security guard after asking questions about the firm‘s waste disposal system.

Factory pipes dump waste directly into waters bubbling with chemical dyes used in textiles, creating an overwhelming stench. ―Most factories here have a waste disposal system, but they don‘t work properly because it‘s just a formality,‖ said Deni Riswandani from local environmental group Elingan.

That poses a serious health risk, especially for the five million people living in the river‘s basin.

Many locals suffer from skin diseases like scabies and dermatitis, as well as respiratory infections from inhaling factory pollution.

Environmental activist Deni Riswandani holds up cups of water from the Citarum river (R) and water from another tributary

―The number of people going to the health clinic is very high,‖ Riswandani said. ―We keep reporting these issues to the government, but we never get a solution.‖ He and other frustrated activists have blocked some waste pipes with rocks and concrete, but the factories usually remove the blockage right away.

Locals hope Jakarta‘s new goals can be achieved. But they‘re also skeptical given the scale of the task and endemic corruption that could see factory owners try to buy their way out of trouble.

―I long to see the Citarum like it was when I was young‖, Fachrureza said. ―I could swim in it and drink the water. It was so clean.‖

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/03/0 2/indonesia-aims-to-clean-the-worlds-dirtiestriver/ Pak-Philippines JEC for

activation of Joint Business Forum 13

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Muhammad Arshad Islamabad Pakistan–Philippines Joint Economic Commission (JEC), Wednesday, agreed to re-activate the Pakistan-Philippines Joint Business Forum/Council with the participation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Philippines and Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Pakistan (FPCCI).

Both sides agreed to hold and actively participate in trade fairs, single country and product

based exhibitions in each other’s country on a regular basis. JEC also agreed to conduct feasibility studies on the possibility of Preferential Trade Agreement and to the formation of a Technical Working Group within the JEC for this purpose.

JEC met here co-chaired by Secretary, Economic Affairs Division Arif Ahmed Khan and Deputy Minister, Industry Development and Trade Policy Group, (IDTPG) Department of Trade and Industry, Philippines Dr. Ceferino S. Rodolfo and held detailed discussions between experts of the two sides on a number of issues, especially focusing on trade, investment, energy, agriculture, tourism, health, industries and other matters of mutual interest.

At the concluding session both the countries signed a protocol of the session based on major actions / decisions. Both sides presented prospective export products for each other’s markets. In this regard Pakistan side offered Rice, Fruit (especially Pakistani citrus and Mangoes), Leather Garments, Pharmaceutical Goods, Sports Goods and Surgical Items while Philippines’ side presented electronics and semi conductors; automotive parts and components; processed food and Halal Products.

Pakistan offered Philippines investment opportunities in Power sector of Pakistan in renewable energy and small hydro power projects and training in the areas of hydro carbon like exploration, production, processing and survey etc. The two sides agreed to collaborate in the area of post-harvest management and processing of rice and banana.

Pakistan invited Philippines to invest in construction of Highways in Pakistan on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis. Philippines shared investment opportunities for Pakistan pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing in the Philippines. The Parties mutually agreed for exchange of visits between the officials of Central Banks of the two countries.

Both sides deliberated upon and agreed to review the proposals regarding revision of the convention on the Avoidance of Double Taxation between Pakistan and Philippines as well as explore the possibility of cooperation in matters related to Customs. The meeting was held in a spirit of friendship, cooperation and desire to make rapid advances in the above mentioned sectors/areas.

Bihar: Hindu refugees from East Pakistan want land, living, identity Many of the Hindu refugees from East Pakistan settled in Bihar are yet to be granted land and have no source of income. In a state in which caste plays a major role, these Bengali-speaking people are struggling for recognition INDIA Updated: Mar 02, 2018 08:05 IST

Vijay Swaroop Hindustan Times, Bettiah

Bangladeshi refugee, Girija Lal Sahu, at Hazari camp in Bettiah. Sahu, who came to the camp in 1974, plies a rickshaw for a living. (AP Dube/HT Photo)       

Seventy-eight-year-old Anil Havildar is disconsolate. He points to his field, which had once won him the badge of a successful farmer from the Bihar government. He had grown a record 492 quintals of rice in one acre, in 1977.

But for this man, who resettled at Biranchi tola number 3 colony -- one among 46 other East Pakistani Hindu refugee colonies in west Champaram -life is not the same. A flooded Manihari river left piles of sand on his farm and destroyed his fields and his pride. Havildar, who made his way here in 1956, is a broken man after losing four acres of land which are either filled with sand or have been eroded by the river. ―Nobody from the government has come here. I am virtually landless,‘‘ he says.

Havildar is not alone. Shyamal Prasad Saha (70) and nonagenarian Rabindra Nath Poddar too lost huge chunks of land to sand, making them virtually landless. Saha, one of the educated Bengali refugees grew rice, wheat and sugarcane in the four acres of land he got from the government as part of the rehabilitation policy. He has now shifted base to one of the refugee colonies situated in Bettiah town.

Poddar, who earned name and fame for his treatment of snake bites, lives with his extended family. Nearly 55 families out of 113 families rehabilitated in Biranchi no 3 in 1956, have lost nearly 121 acres of agricultural and 69 decimals of housing land. They now live on the edge of poverty.

Land for settlement

Many Bengali speaking Hindus were forced to leave East Pakistan and take shelter in India.

The Centre arranged for their rehabilitation in West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar, Assam and Tripura.

In Bihar, these Bengali speaking refugees were first set up in a camp near Paschim Hazari area. They were then relocated to the 46 refugee colonies spread across West Champaran. Bihar has 115 refugee colonies. West Champaran has the maximum, followed by 38 in Purnia and 13 in East Champaran.

Each of the displaced families were given two types of land -- five acres for farming and 18 decimal to build a house, or four acres and 18 decimal land.

They were given voting rights only two years back in 2015.

Not all refugees were lucky. Nearly 24 families – 14 of whom are from Myanmar and living at Paschim Hazari camp set up in 1956 – are still to get any land. ―It is not the issue of citizenship. They all have voting rights,‖ said Dr (Capt) Dilip Kumar Sinha, former vice-president of Bihar Minority Commission and president of Bihar-Bengali Samiti. He did not address the issue of non-allocation of land. ―We never visited our relatives who stayed back…. But nobody cares for our plight,‖ said Girija Lal Sahu, a refugee, who came to Hazari camp in 1974.

Sahu makes do plying a rickshaw. Other refugees left out in land settlement either work in fields as daily wagers or are into petty business.

While some still do fight for land, at Majaharia, another refugee colony, situated near the Udaipur ox-bow lake, encroachment of their land by locals resulted in a bloody fight in 1997.

Caste Recognition

In a state where caste plays a major role, these Bengali speaking people are also vying for a caste identity.

Raja Kumar Das, a student of class 10 at Swatantra Senani Kedarnath Motani High School, has been trying to get a caste certificate to apply for his board examinations for the last eight months.

The Bihar School Examination Board has announced the schedule, but Das is still struggling to get the caste certificate that is mandatory.

―It has been proved that more than 65% of them belong to Scheduled Castes (SC) but they are shown in the list of backward castes and extremely backward caste list in Bihar. This is making it difficult for them to get caste certificates. This deprives them of different welfare projects of government,‖ said Madan Banik, vice president (zone 4), central committee, Bihar Bengali Association.

A study conducted by Asian Development Research Institute‘s Centre for Economic Policy and Public Finance (CEPPF) reveals that 36.2% people fail to find their caste in the state list, whereas 66% have been placed in extremely backward class. The survey reveals that 97.1% people claimed themselves to be SC, of which 49% and 38% are in East and West Champaran districts respectively. ―The same people find place in SC list in neighbouring West Bengal. Does change of place change the caste also?‖ wondered Banik. ―This has happened despite the state general administration department issuing instructions (letter no 20810, dated 16.6.2009) to district authorities to issue caste certificate.‖ The association‘s Bettiah chapter president, Radhakant Debnath, had written a letter in October 2017 to the district magistrate to consider the state directive, but has not had a response.

Socio-Economic Conditions

The CEPPF study reveals that only 16.2% Bengali speaking refugees have passed matric or taken to higher education; 11.2% refugees can read in their mother tongue Bengali with difficulty, while just 23.6% can write in Bengali.

The economic condition of these refugees has not changed either with only 3.3% of their population in government services.

While 43.7% are wage labourers, 28.7% are self-employed, mostly in agriculture. More than half their population, 56.6% have shown their income below Rs 3000 per month. Over 30% of the population does not have ration cards and only 15.2% have concrete shelter.

The demand for the formation of a Refugee Development Authority is long pending. In 2011, Bihar government announced the constitution of Tharu Development Authority for the development of Tharus living near the borders with Nepal and gave them the status of scheduled tribes. The Bengali Association has also demanded that they be included. The government has, however, been found lacking. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-hindu-refugees-from-east-pakistan-want-land-livingidentity/story-WUinXFN2BbAiAPJmOclMSI.htmlhttps://pakobserver.net/pak-philippines-jec-activationjoint-business-forum/

Pakistan posts 64% growth in exports to Qatar post blockade, says official Date 2/28/2018 4:30:25 PM  

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(MENAFN - Gulf Times) Pakistan has recorded a 64% surge in exports to Qatar from July 2017 to January 2018, according to an official at the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha.

Commercial secretary Salman Ali, who spoke at the ‗Pakistan-Qatar Business & Investment Opportunities Conference' held in Doha yesterday, said Pakistan witnessed an 'export quantum seven months after an economic blockade was imposed on Qatar in June last year.

Citing figures from the State Bank of Pakistan, Ali said Pakistan exports to Qatar in July 2017 stood at $5.66mn and increased to $8.74

in January 2018, 'exceeding the $8mn mark for the first time since May 2012.

He said Pakistan's major exports to Qatar include rice, red meats, fresh fruits, vegetables, cotton and fabric of all types, leather and all its articles, cereal straw and husk, and fish and its products.

'Besides a policy of self-reliance, Qatar views Turkey, Iran, Oman, and Pakistan as the long-term source of food and other supplies, Ali noted during his presentation.

On Pakistan's current strategy to facilitate exports, the products in focus are construction materials, pharmaceuticals, processed/frozen food items, raw chicken and meat (frozen/chilled), dairy items, including UHT milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, food packaging materials, light engineering and electrical goods, defence exports, sports goods, textiles, and services.

On Pakistan's export performance compared to other countries in the region, Ali said: 'Other regional countries had a comparatively much bigger export footprint in Qatar. Many products from the region have flooded the market in Qatar but Pakistan's logistic advantage and international position eventually gives it a competitive advantage not rivalled by any other country in the region.

Ali also said some of the Pakistani products 'successfully introduced in the Qatari market since the blockade include Menu Frozen Food (Season's Food); Olpers UHT Milk, Cream and Ghee (Engro Food); biscuits and candies (Hilal Food); packaging material by M/S Packages and M/S Afeef Packages; ketchup and juices for the hospitality sector by Shangrila Limited; steel piping products by International Industries Limited and electrical cables by Pakistan Cables; and ketchup, mayonnaise, and sugar by M/S Soya Supreme Group.

From Almonds To Rice, Climate Change Could Slash California Crop Yields By 2050    

Facebook Twitter Flipboard Email March 2, 201810:54 AM ET EZRA DAVID ROMERO

FROM

Walnut trees at a farm in Byron, Calif. An analysis of nearly 90 studies finds warming temperatures may alter where key crops grow across the state, which provides around two-thirds of America's produce.

David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Climate change could decrease the yield of some crops in California by up to 40 percent by 2050. That's a big deal for farmers in the state, which provides about two-thirds of the nation's produce.

California farmers grow more than 400 commodity crops. Tapan Pathak, a University of California Cooperative Extension specialist based in California's Central Valley, and his research team analyzed 89 studies on climate change and discovered that warming temperatures may alter where crops grow across the state. Their findings were published in the journal Agronomy.

"In order to make California agriculture more sustainable, we have to act now," Pathak says.

As the climate continues to change and drought and heat waves become more frequent, Pathak says the challenges agriculture will face are going to intensify. He's referring to things like how the lack of cold temperatures will impact trees that need a certain number of chill-hours, or sleep each year, as well as increased impacts from pests and diseases.

"That could adversely impact yields and production for some highly valued crops in California," Pathak says.

The study reports "several fruit and nut crops are losing yield and decreasing in acreage . . . as a direct consequence of increased winter and nighttime temperatures."

The study also points out that climatic conditions — warming temperatures and a shrinking snowpack — by the end of the 21st century may make it difficult for the state to even support some of its main tree crops. The study suggests that by the middle of the century, California's Central Valley won't be able to support crops like peaches, walnuts and apricots. That number jumps to 90 percent by the end of the century. Almonds, avocados, cherries, table grapes, corn, tomatoes, rice, strawberries and others are expected to suffer crop yields as well.

Walnuts would be the hardest-hit crop because they "require the highest number of chill hours, implying a future decline in walnut acreage within the valley," the authors report. Nearly 99 percent of the nation's supply of the crop originate from California and support around three-quarters of the global supply of the nut.

But Pathak says crops planted yearly, like alfalfa, could yield more as temperatures increase. The study also says wine grapes will see small declines in yield.

What can be done now to mitigate this?

The study's authors say the California agricultural industry needs to take breeding research seriously by testing for heat-tolerant varieties. The report also urges the industry to figure out regional "management practices that can extend crops' winter dormancy periods. Since different crops react to temperature changes differently, research efforts on climate adaptation should be crop-specific," the study reports.

While California farmers and ranchers have long experienced fluctuations in weather, the authors say that "the increased rate and scale of climate change is beyond the realm of experience for the agricultural community."

And that may translate into food security issues at the state and national level.

Peter Gleick, an expert in climate and water for the Oakland-based Pacific Institute, read the study and says, "it is critical that we start making decisions now to reduce the threats later."

Gleick says even though some crops will fare better than others, "impacts will be deeply negative, especially if we are not more aggressive about both reducing emissions and putting in place more climate resilient agriculture."

He says farmers must take an active role in addressing climate change and the state is going to need to help by expanding "efforts to help communities that will be negatively affected by changes we won't be able to avoid."

https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/03/02/59005 6872/from-almonds-to-rice-climate-change-couldslash-california-crop-yields-by-2050

Rice prices rise for 7th consecutive week Philippine Daily Inquirer / 07:26 AM March 03, 2018

The upward trend in the wholesale and retail prices of rice is now on its seventh week, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed.

Prices of commercial rice has risen at least 20 percent since the first week of January, according to the agency.

Worse, it said, the lack of cheap, subsidized rice in the market due to the stock shortage at the National Food Authority is expected to continue until the first week of June—the scheduled arrival in the country of imported rice.

For the third week of February, wholesale and retail prices were at P36.90 per kilo and P39.31 per kilo, respectively.

Retail prices, meanwhile, rose by 0.46 percent from last week‘s P39.01 per kilo.

Compared to the price in the same period last year, it rose by 6.01 percent.

Similarly, wholesale and retail prices for well-milled rice increased during the week.

Wholesale price was quoted at P40.33 per kilo, while average retail price was at P43.10 per kilo. —KARL R. OCAMPO

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/972569/rice-prices-rise-for-7thconsecutive-week#ixzz58yttD1http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/972569/rice-pricesrise-for-7th-consecutive-weekRS Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Let traders import rice freely–experts By Cai Ordinario March 4, 2018

Local economists called on the Duterte administration to remove the legal monopoly of the National Food Authority (NFA) to import rice if it wants to stabilize the price of the staple.

According to economists belonging to the Foundation of Economic Freedom (FEF), it is only when the government is given the sole authority to import the staple that the Philippines faces periodic situations of unstable supply with rising rice prices.

“If private traders can freely import rice, they can quickly respond more to the needs of the rice market. The price of rice in our rice-exporting neighbors is about half the domestic price of rice,” the FEF said in a statement sent over the weekend.

“There is no reason rice prices should become unstable and rise since there is plentiful supply from our neighboring countries that can be easily tapped by our private traders,” it added.

The FEF also said the NFA is “at fault for giving the rice cartel room to manipulate rice prices” simply because it failed to immediately import rice when its stockpile started to go down below the required 15-day level.

The economists said the NFA did not restock its emergency rice inventory to the required 15-day level in case of emergencies and natural calamities. This despite the the Marawi City siege and the eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay.

The FEF said the rice stock in NFA warehouses caused rice traders to get “greedy” and raise rice prices to P40, P45, P50 or P60 per kilogram (kg), depending on the quality.

The group noted that it was only at this time when the NFA sought the President’s clearance to import 250,000 metric tons of rice to beef up its supply, a move that would have been more effective if done sooner.

Last month the NFA said it sought the NFA Council’s (NFAC) go signal to import rice as early as November.

“If the NFA had the stocks, NFAC Chairman Leoncio Evasco can address this issue by injecting more NFA rice into the market. But without adequate stocks, NFA cannot effectively bring down the price. Accordingly, the poor will have to pay more for the rice,” FEF said. “This shows that behind every attempt by the rice cartel to manipulate rice price is a mistake of the NFA.” Earlier, senators urged the government to raise the support price of the NFA. The increase in its buying price aims to encourage farmers to sell their harvest to the food agency.

National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Undersecretary for Planning and Policy Rosemarie G. Edillon, however, said that apart from the indebtedness of the NFA, increasing the support price of the NFA would accelerate inflation.

Also, prices become volatile whenever the NFA imports rice and then floods the market with cheaper rice. This causes commercial rice prices to decline steeply.

While it has yet to run the estimates of how much a P1 to P3 hike in NFA support price will impact on inflation, Edillon said it is likely that the Nedawould thumb down proposals to increase it.

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Cai Ordinario A professional journalist for over a decade, Cai U. Ordinario currently writes macroeconomic and urban development stories for BusinessMirror. She has received awards for excellence in reporting on the macroeconomy and statistics. She was also cited for her contribution to statics reporting by the National Statistical Coordination Board (now the Philippine Statistics Authority). She is a recipient of journalism fellowships including the Jefferson Fellowship from the Honolulu-based East West Center. She is currently completing her Masters degree in Communication at the University of the Philippines. She graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts Major in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/let-traders-importrice-freely-experts/

Ingrained Some time in 1960s, businessmen with the Japanese electronics company Hitachi flew to southwest Louisiana, specifically, we are told, to Ville Platte. Of interest to them were the curiously high sales marks of their ricecookers across a region otherwise alien to their products. At the time, Louisiana was the site of the single

largest distribution of Hitachi rice-makers in North America, or so it is said. Anecdotal evidence of that phenomenon can be found in flea markets, kitchens and estate sales around Acadiana to this day.

According to Mamou native and photographer Lucius Fontenot, the businessmen toured the outer climes of Acadiana, mouths agape at miles of rice land. Visited, as they were, by the sight of rice farming operations that rivaled those in their native land, they understood the kindred desire in Louisiana for the Hitachi rice-cooker.

Why these things took off is a study best left to the geniuses of market research, but we can safely say that the crux of it is that Louisiana loves and thrives on rice.

Fontenot, who‘s recently embarked upon a photo journal of Hitachi rice-cookers and the Cajuns who love them, remembers accompanying his grandmother to a local mill to buy 50-pound sacks of medium grain rice to accompany the fixture of stews on his grandmother‘s stove-top. Medium grains cook softer and stickier than their long-grain cousins, making for more absorbent conduits of gravy and sauce-based Cajun cuisine.

By the time the Soileaus of Ville Platte and the Guillorys of Mamou were stocking their shop warehouses with Hitachi rice makers, one of which made its way to Fontenot‘s grandmother‘s kitchen in the 1960s or 1970s, rice was a prime cash crop for farmers across the Cajun prairies west of Lafayette, stretching all the way to the Sabine River that divides Louisiana from Texas. Rice has long been an essential ingredient for hardy Cajun victuals, such as gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, boudin and all kinds of gravies.

Looking back, it was probably a no-brainer that the cookers caught on. Automated and electronic, they freed up burners and freed up hands for accomplishing the sundry tasks of the mid-century household. Many a Cajun th

child knew the Hitachi chime as the 20 century dinner bell.

Like the rice-cookers, though, rice itself is not native to Louisiana. It‘s not even native to the Americas. While seeking its exact place of origin, you run into an intersection of antiquity, legend and guess-timation as to the Big Bang of rice production in the United States. However, those who will hazard a guess—like Steven Linscombe, PhD, of LSU‘s Rice Research Center in Crowley—will tell you it likely came by boat from th

Madagascar to the port of Charleston, SC, some time in 18 century.

It wasn‘t so much a formal introduction, according to Linscombe, but more of a casual parting—a box full of seeds was perhaps given to eager hands at harbor. ―Here‘s some rice. Y‘all dabble with this,‖ guessed Linscombe. th

From there, rice production followed a south westerly migration during the 19 century, making its way through plantations and farms in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and, finally, Louisiana.

At first, rice was a staple crop grown for the plantation slave labor force along the Louisiana banks of the Mississippi river. Its continued migration westward in the years after the Civil War was provoked by the stimulated interest in cheap land in Acadia, Vermilion and Evangeline parishes, marketed aggressively to pioneering German Midwesterners.

These wheat and corn farmers found their customary crops ill-suited to Louisiana‘s wet climate. Taking note of micro-agronomic production of rice by the Cajuns kicking around pre-railroad Acadiana, the ever-industrious Germans took it upon themselves to mechanize and modernize the rice industry with seeders, binders and threshers.

Where profligate water presented a problem for other crops, rice thrived in Louisiana‘s oft-flooded conditions.

Steam pumps and adjacent bayous provided an abundant source of water for enterprising farmers. The Cajun prairies also have a lagniappe topographical feature in the form of a dense subsurface layer of clay. That pack of hardened earth creates a basin that contains pumped-in water, making for efficient use of an embarrassment of hydrological riches.

th

Milling came later in the 19 century, moving an essential business from New Orleans to the now selfproclaimed ―Rice Capital of America‖ in Crowley, the seat of Acadia Parish. Rice of any grain size could be separated from husks and milled to remove the outer bran layer that distinguishes un-milled brown rice from milled white rice. Folks scooped rice into their gumbos instead of corn meal mush, and the great Acadiana staple was born.

At its height in the mid 20 century, Louisiana‘s rice production was the nation‘s largest and most cutting th

edge. Before we were enamored of the Hitachi cooker‘s chime-o-matic laissez-faire, we saw the advent of rice

enrichment by Wright Enterprises in Crowley, a process that re-introduced to white grains the vitamin and nutrient content bereft by the milling process.

A symbiotic relationship developed between the farming of rice and crawfishing. Flooded fields provide an excellent breeding ground for aquaculture like crawfish. The Cajun crustacean also is quite fond of detritus from leftover rice crops, a revelation which led rice researchers to develop in the early 2000s a rice variety known as ecrevisse—French for crawfish—grown specifically for its agricultural benefit for crawfish.

Medium grain rice once dominated Louisiana‘s production and consumption, due in large part to the medium grain varieties‘ agricultural hardiness when compared to the more gastronomically coveted long-grains. There are those, like the Fontenots, who stand by the sopping utility of medium grains as the ideal vehicle for gravy.

But for the most part, long grain has enjoyed a preferred status among consumers, typically fetching higher prices for farmers.

In the 1980s, medium grains accounted for 65 percent of grown rice varieties in Louisiana, with the remaining 35 percent accounted by long grains. Over time, folks like Linscombe at the Rice Research Center developed new varieties of long-grain rice that perform better in Louisiana‘s climate and produce higher yields per crop rotation. Technology caught long grain up with demand. In 2015, long-grain rice accounted for 85 percent of rice grown in Louisiana.

Nearly half of all rice grown and milled in Louisiana is exported nationally and internationally, meaning local rice producers need to keep up with the tastes of buyers around world. Popular tropical aromatics like Thai Jasmine rice don‘t do well in Louisiana‘s climate, forcing farmers to improvise. To that end, farmers and

researchers with the Rice Research Center have developed Jazzman and Jazzman II varieties of long-grain rice, specifically bred to produce the nutty aroma and soft texture of the ever popular Thai import.

Long before Jazzman, the Research Center introduced the Della long-grain varieties more popularly known in Acadiana as Popcorn Rice. Like Thai Jasmine or Jazzman, steaming Popcorn rice produces a nutty, almost popcorn-like, aroma. But where Jasmine-type rice cooks soft, Popcorn rice retains the stiffer texture of generic, long-grain rice. Around Acadiana, Popcorn rice is marketed as a connoisseur‘s bag fit for the discerning rice palate.

Today, Louisiana remains the third largest producer of rice in the United States, behind California and Arkansas. In Acadiana, the number of plate lunch houses serving rice and gravy on a daily basis will give you an idea of just how important the crop remains as a cultural icon in the area. Rice is a given in Louisiana cuisine, regardless of the time of day or year. Very few meals are complete without a dollop of steamed rice, a scoop of rice dressing or a lagniappe of jambalaya. Despite its foreign origins, it‘s a product that binds folks in Acadiana to their earth and gives a sense of culinary unity.

Rice cookers have certainly advanced since the original Hitachis spread around Acadiana like rice-seed from a crop-dusting plane. But the kindred love affair with rice those Japanese businessmen found in the eccentric bayou towns they visited in the 1960s still remain. Many have held on to those Hitachis as family heirlooms, weighing their cookers‘ tops down with books or taping the button down to get the steam-time right. Others have moved on to digital contraptions with adjustable temperatures, timers and readouts. What really counts, though, is what happens when the steam rises and whatever chime dings. When the rice is done, it‘s time to eat.

Bulog to disburse 400,000 tons of subsidized rice in March

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Anton Hermansyah The Jakarta Post Jakarta | Sat, March 3, 2018 | 10:17 am

Workers unload Vietnamese rice at Tenau Port in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, on Feb. 13. The rice is part of the imported rice quota of 500,000 tons that began arriving in February. (Antara/ Kornelis Kaha) BOOKMARK THIS PAGE

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   The National Logistics Agency (Bulog) will distribute 400,000 tons of subsidized rice in an attempt to stabilize the price in March.

Of the 400,000 tons, 250,000 tons was taken from the March allocation, while the remaining allocations were in January and February, said Bulog president director Djarot Kusumayakti after meeting with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday.

Meanwhile, a further 150,000 tons of rice from the April allocation would be pushed forward to March he said, adding: "The President has allowed us to distribute April‘s allocation in March.‖ According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) released on Thursday, the price of all qualities of rice had increased in February compared to January.

The price of premium rice increased by 0.31 percent, while the prices of medium and low quality rice increased by 0.37 percent and 1.99 percent respectively.

BPS chairman Suhariyanto said that the price of low quality rice reached Rp 9,987 per kilogram, higher than the government‘s price ceiling target.

Economic Coordinating Minister Darmin Nasution said Bulog currently had around 660,000 tons of rice in stock. (bbn)

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2018/03/02/bulo g-to-disburse-400000-tons-of-subsidized-rice-inmarch.html

Vietnam likely to export 6.5 million tonnes of rice in 2018 Monday, 03/05/2018, 12:11 Vietnam may export 6.5 million tonnes of rice in 2018, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ha Cong Tuan.

High-quality rice accounts for a large proportion of total rice export volume and normal rice makes up less than 20%, Tuan said.

Vietnam shipped 861,000 tonnes of rice abroad in the first two months of this year, earning US$419 million, up 17% in volume and 34% in value compared with the same period last year.

The Philippines was the biggest importer of Vietnamese rice, accounting for 26.9% of the market share. It was followed by China, with 23.5%.

The export price for Vietnamese rise rose from US$435 per tonne in 2016 to US$450 per tonne in 2017 and US$475 per tonne during January-February.

The increase was attributed to the country‘s efforts to raise its rice quality.

Vietnam is doing well in increasing rice quality, Deputy Minister Tuan said, suggesting the country focus on improving the brand name of its rice.

Last year, Vietnam pocketed US$2.6 billion from exporting 5.8 million tonnes of rice

http://english.vov.vn/economy/vietnam-likely-to-export65-million-tonnes-of-rice-in-2018-369781.vov

Government to help in upgrade of rice quality as exports hit high HTOO THANT 05 MAR 2018

Workers dry the paddy under sunlight in a field at the Kyaunggon Township in the Ayeyarwaddy region, Myanmar. Photo EPA

Myanmar will likely export at least 3.2 million tonnes of rice by the end of the current 2017-18 fiscal year by month-end taking rice exports to their highest level in 70 years, according to officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MOALI).

―According to government estimates, we have exported 3.2 million tonnes of rice to this day (March 4). The numbers could increase if we continue exporting,‖ MOALI Permanent Deputy Secretary U Myo Tint Tun told The Myanmar Times on Sunday.

The estimate was confirmed by Union Minister U Aung Thu, who quoted similar numbers during a farmers‘ roundtable talk on March 2 in Danubyu, Ayeyarwaddy Region.

However, Myanmar is still mainly exporting average-grade rice to China, implying that the country is still overly reliant on its neighbour. As such, the country should take steps to improve its rice quality for better value while expanding its market beyond China to diversify risk.

While representing a step in the right direction, that move will see Myanmar farmers face stiff competition from existing high-grade rice exporting countries like Thailand, India and Vietnam.

In that light, farmers at the roundtable sought government help to gain access to long term, low-interest loans, the lack of which is ―the main hindrance to low rice productivity,‖ said Danubyu farmer U Thein Aung during the talk. ―Farmers risk high losses because of weather changes, pests, volatile prices and other factors. On top of all that, we have to service high-interest loans to help pay off losses and as a result, our children have to work in large cities and foreign countries to repay the debt,‖ he said.

The government recently raised the volume of loans available to farmers to K150,000 per acre of farmland from K100,000 before and is now enjoying the support of the Japanese in extending two-step loans to the sector. ―The issue is when loan amounts increase, the burden on farmers is much heavier in the event of default or losses due to weather changes or price fluctuations,‖ said U Hla Kyaw, deputy minister for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.

https://www.mmtimes.com/news/government-helpupgrade-rice-quality-exports-hit-high.html

President says Myanmar can export record 3 million tons of rice this year By Zeyar Maw On Saturday, 3 March 2018 Facebook Tweet Google +0

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Myanmar's President Htin Kyaw. Photo: Hein Htet/EPA

President Htin Kyaw said that Myanmar could export 3 million tons rice this financial year and it would be a record high over 70 years.

He was addressing Peasants’ Day which falls today on March 2.

“Myanmar can export 3 million tons of rice a record high in 70 years. The export of such a high record is because of great efforts by peasants, cooperation between departmental officials and the private sector so we can praise their great efforts,” the President said in his message.

The President added that 70% of the population lives in rural area and their main livelihood is agriculture

http://www.mizzima.com/businessdomestic/president-says-myanmar-can-export-record3-million-tons-rice-year

1. Economy 2. Domestic Economy Saturday, March 03, 2018

Rice Farming Banned in Khuzestan Rice cultivation in the southern Khuzestan Province will be banned as of the upcoming crop year starting on March 21, the deputy head of Khuzestan Agricultural Jihad Organization said. “This is due to the water shortage facing the country. We advise farmers to cultivate alternative crops such as pulses, sunflowers, soybeans and fodder, which are less water-intensive,� Mohammad Qaseminejad was also quoted by Mehr News Agency as saying.

The official added that land under rice cultivation in Khuzestan has declined from between 97,000 and 98,000 hectares five years ago to less than 40,000 hectares at present.

Agricultural and environment experts have been urging the government for years to restrict rice farming to the water-rich provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran, which are home to the majority of Iran’s paddy fields, and to ban the activity in the rest of the country.

Asia Rice-Supply dip perks up India prices; lack of deals hurt Thai rates Koustav Samanta 3 MIN READ

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BENGALURU, March 2 (Reuters) - Rice prices in top exporter India snapped a three-week losing streak on lower supplies and a slight improvement in demand, while rates for the staple grain eased in Thailand and Vietnam due to lack of deals and the beginning of a new harvest.

India’s 5 percent broken parboiled rice prices RI-INBKN5-P1 rose by $5 per tonne to $419-$423 per tonne.

A drop in the Indian rupee capped the upside in rice export prices in dollar terms, said an exporter based in Kakinada in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

“Local rice prices have risen due to falling supplies in central and eastern states. Demand has also slightly improved from Bangladesh,” said another exporter based in Kakinada.

Bangladesh, which has emerged as a major rice importer since 2017 after floods damaged its crops, imported more than 3 million tonnes from July to February, its biggest ever haul, exceeding its previous annual rice import record in just eight months, the food ministry data showed.

The country could buy more rice in the next few months, given the high prices of the staple in domestic markets, a food ministry official said.

“From today, we are resuming subsidized rice sales to help the poor and bring down local prices,” the official added.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s benchmark 5 percent broken rice rates RI-THBKN5PI slipped to $395-$400 per tonne, free on board (FOB) Bangkok, compared with $404-$410 last week.

The drop in prices was due to flat demand and a lack of major deals on the horizon, traders said.

“On top of the lack of demand, there was also some new rice entering the market,” a Bangkok-based rice trader said.

Thailand, the world’s second-biggest rice exporter, is expecting new rice harvest in April but due to heavy rain and flood in some areas last year, some crops were grown much later and are being harvest off-season.

Prices are expected to drop further if there is no new demand while new crops enter the market, traders said.

Vietnam’s 5-percent broken rice RI-VNBKN5-P1 edged lower to $410-$415 a tonne from $415-$420 a week earlier, as farmers have started harvesting for the winter-spring paddy, traders said on Friday.

“Demand was not too strong, especially when Thai rice is still cheaper...

Vietnam’s prices were kept afloat, thanks to some government-togovernment deals,” said a Ho Chi Minh City-based trader.

Prices might change vastly after the next two weeks when harvest come into full swing, traders said, adding the market is still eyeing the Philippines’s plan to import 250,000 tonnes of rice.

Vietnam’s rice exports in the first two months of 2018 rose an estimated 14.6 percent from the same period last year to 842,000 tonnes, official data showed. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai, Panu Wongcha-um in Bangkok, Ruma Paul in Dhaka and Mai Nguyen in Hanoi; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri) Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Rice importation still needed, says PhilRice thai-rates-idINL4N1QK3QW

Research agency says no shortage of staple, stock enough for 87 days By: Anselmo Roque- @inquirerdotnet Philippine Daily Inquirer / 06:25 AM March 02, 2018

Farmers thresh newly harvested palay at a farm in Labrador town, Pangasinan province.

—WILLIE LOMIBAO SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ—Rice stocks from last year‘s harvests and this year‘s cropping season assure the country of supply for three months but there is still need to import as augmentation during the lean months of production, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) here said.

A team of PhilRice economists, led by Deputy Executive Director Flordeliza Bordey, collected data for a study on rice security, self-sufficiency and competitiveness.

Highest production ―We have rice stock of almost 3 million metric tons of rice in the first quarter of 2018 that is enough for 87 days,‖ the PhilRice said in a statement.

The study said the country achieved the highest production last year at 19.3 million MT of palay. This was equivalent to 12.5 million MT of milled rice.

Together with the 900,000 MT of imported rice and the carry-over stock of 2.7 million MT from 2017, the country has 16.1 million MT in the first quarter of this year.

The prevailing stock will be boosted by the 2.9 million MT harvest in the first quarter.

Filipinos consume 110 kilograms of rice per year but the demand also includes raw materials for value-added products, animal feed and spoilage, thus increasing the annual consumption rate.

A National Food Authority employee inspects the agency‘s rice stock at its warehouse in Baguio City amid reports of low supply of cheap rice in the market. —EV ESPIRITU Necessary Importation remains necessary because the bulk of palay harvest occurs at the fourth quarter of each year, PhilRice said. ―It should be understood that there is seasonality of

rice production, which is 23 percent in the first quarter, 21 percent in the second quarter, 16 percent in the third quarter and 40 percent in the fourth quarter,‖ it said. ―Therefore, the timing for the importation is of the essence, as the stock of rice goes down especially during the third quarter, which constitutes the lean months.‖ The imported rice would help guard against sudden price fluctuations in the market, it added.

Resignation call During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Senators Grace Poe and Bam Aquino called on National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Jason Aquino to resign for allegedly failing to act on the agency‘s mandate to maintain a buffer stock and stabilize the supply and prices of rice.

Sought for comment on calls for Aquino‘s resignation, NFA spokesperson Rex Estoperez said: ―The senators are in the legislative branch while we are in the executive branch. Both have the right to say what they want to say. As for us, we are still trying to find concrete and immediate solutions to replenish our stocks.‖

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/972337/rice-importation-still-neededsays-philrice#ixzz58yvbFN87 Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/972337/rice-importation-still-needed-says-philrice

Sri Lanka wholesale rice prices fall dramatically in February

Mar 02, 2018 08:27 AM GMT+0530 | 0 Comment(s)

ECONOMYNEXT - Sri Lanka's wholesale rice prices at the Marandagahamula market, which is a benchmark for the rest of the country has fallen dramatically in February with key grades down 20 percent from December 2017, as domestic harvests start to come in.

Marandagahamula Samba, a domestic premium rice fell to 82.30 rupees a kilogram on February 23, plunging 27.1 percent from 104.63 rupees a kilo peak reached on December 29, according to central bank data.

Marandagamula White Kekulu (Raw) rice fell from 20.3 percent from 90.75 rupees a kilo in December 29, to 75.40 rupees in February 23.

Marandagamula Red Raw fell 7.5 percent to 83.25 rupees a kilo to 77.00 rupees a kilogram.

Marandagamula Nadu, a popular grade used widely in mass-market rice takeway market (buth packet) rice fell 21.75 percent to 75.70 rupees a kilo from 96.50 rupees a kilo.

Sri Lanka main Maha (winter/spring) harvest is now coming in with this year's harvest expected to rise 57 percent as the rice growing regions recover from a drought.

The high prices last year helped cushion farmer incomes, as output halved.

Global rice prices are still high. Over 2017 rice prices have risen 20 to 30 percent in rice exporting and importing countries.

Unlike in Sri Lanka, where rice is protected with import duties, most Asian nations produce export grade rice and good harvests pushes up farmer incomes.

In 2017 many countries in Asia were hit by drought, with India's harvests estimated to be down 30 percent in some areas, pushing up prices. Indian coconut prices also rose.

The Food and Agricultural Organization's All Rice Price Index rose 18.1 percent in the year to February 2018.

The premium aromatic rice index was up 25 percent and the higher quality Indica index was up 15.7 percent.

Many countries have blamed the usual suspects, 'errant traders' and 'speculators' for rice price hikes.

"There might be some mechanisms by dishonest businessmen," Bangladesh PM Sheik Hasina was quoted as saying in parliament.

Bangladesh has cut import duties from 28 to 10 percent amid rising prices, the report said. Sri Lanka also cut import duties last year as prices rose amid a drought.

Sri Lanka's central bank also collapsed the rupee in 2015 and 2016 adding to the global rise in prices. In Sri Lanka's 'rice mafias' especially importers and millers are blamed for both hikes and falls in prices.

Sri Lanka's rice prices fall dramatically in good harvests, even when global prices are strong, as farmers who have been protected for years through import duties do not produce grades of rice that can be internationally traded.

Marandahamula benchmark wholesale prices are now at levels seen in December 2015. The government has announced floor prices for farmgate paddy (rough rice) (Colombo/Mar02/2018)

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Sri Lanka sets floor prices for farm-gate paddy

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Reducing rice cultivation in Egypt: A controversy

A government decision to reduce rice cultivation has not been well received by farmers or consumers Mona El-Fiqi , Thursday 1 Mar 2018

File Photo: Labourers transplant rice seedlings in a paddy field in the Nile Delta town of Kafr Al-Sheikh, north of Cairo, Egypt (Reuters)

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Egypt's strategic rice reserves enough to last until end-April: Ministry

Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Mohamed Abdel-Ati has announced that the government is reducing the area of land available for rice cultivation by more than 50 per cent.

Instead of 1.7 million feddans, only around 700,000 feddans will be cultivated this year (one feddan is 1.038 acres). The decision, taken to rationalise water consumption, will be applied from May to September 2018.

Rice consumes about two-and-a-half times the amount of water needed to grow wheat or maize as it needs to be grown in flooded fields. The government‘s decision to reduce the country‘s rice crop is designed to reduce water consumption, and similar measures have already been taken regarding sugarcane and bananas, like rice major consumers of water.

Rice cultivation will now only be allowed in the Delta governorates, and it will be prohibited in Upper Egypt, Suez, South Sinai, Marsa Matrouh, Qalioubiya, Menoufiya, Cairo and Giza. Farmers who violate the new rules will be subject to penalties under Irrigation Law 12/1984.

Many farmers are not happy about the decision, and they have written to the Ministry of Agriculture to complain. Mohamed Abdallah, a farmer in the Daqahliya governorate, said that despite the decision the farmers in his village intended to plant rice as usual because their families eat part of the harvest and sell the rest to earn an income.

Ragab Shehata, head of the Rice Division at the Federation of Egyptian Industries, said this was not the first time the government had issued a similar decision, only to find that it was ignored by farmers.

The decision is designed not only to save water, but also to find a balance between the production and consumption of rice. Production currently exceeds consumption by one million tons annually. In 2017, production stood at four million tons, while consumption was three million.

Following the minister‘s announcement, rice prices rose from LE6,000 to LE7,000 per ton.

According to Shehata, prices should not be negatively affected until May, but some traders could have taken advantage of the government announcement to increase prices.

Samah Ibrahim, a Cairo housewife, expected to see an increase in rice prices because ―less production means less supply and higher prices.‖ Consumers have been suffering from hikes in food prices since the floatation of the pound in November 2016. ―It is the government‘s role to find solutions that reduce prices, not to issue decrees that reduce production,‖ Ibrahim said. She added that in her view the price rises of rise were due to ―traders stockpiling rice to cash in when the price increases.‖ Some experts are also against the decision. Ali Abdel-Rahman, head of the International Union for the Environment and Development, a pressure group, blamed the government for not studying the results before making the announcement. ―This political decision will have negative impacts on farmers, rice prices and investment in rice industries,‖ he said.

The decision had not taken farmers who depend on rice for their annual income into consideration, he said. Farmers cannot cultivate land used for growing rice with other crops, and so the total agricultural area will be reduced, he added.

The shortage of water was also not a good enough excuse for such a decision. ―Egypt‘s current water resources are enough to grow 18 to 20 million feddans of rice, but the actual cultivated area is between eight to 10 million feddans,‖ he said.

While the government said the aim of the decision was to save Nile water, Abdel-Rahman said that the water used for growing 90 per cent of the rice in the North Delta governorates was salt water from the Mediterranean Sea or reused agricultural water. ―Rice is a basic meal for most Egyptian families, and instead of working to keep Egypt‘s selfsufficiency in rice, the government has decided to cut its agricultural area by half,‖ Abdel-Rahman added.

The government should promote the use of new kinds of rice that do not need as much water, AbdelRahman suggested.

The area allocated for rice cultivation has long been a controversial issue. In 2015, the government planned to decrease the area from 1.1 million feddans to 724,200 feddans, but upon consulting the group of economics ministers the decision was put to rest to avoid any shortages in local markets that could lead to increases in prices.

In 2016, the area increased to two million feddans, but was then decreased to 1.7 million feddans in 2017. The highest rice production over the past 10 years was in 2007/2008, when it reached 7.3 million tons, while the lowest was in 2010 with only 4.3 million tons, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics.

The Daqahliya, Kafr Al-Sheikh, Sharqiya, Beheira and Gharbiya governorates have the largest ricecultivation areas.

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/3/12/291961/Bu siness/Economy/Reducing-rice-cultivation-in-Egypt-Acontroversy.aspx E’bo rice farmers appealing for higher paddy prices Mar 02, 2018 News 0 Comments

The meeting yesterday at the RDC boardroom Rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast are once again appealing for an increase in the price being paid per bag of paddy. This plea was yesterday made when farmers met with representatives from the Guyana Rice Development Board [GRDB], during a farmers/miller association meeting.

Rice can be described as the core of the agro industry in Region Two [Pomeroon/Supenaam]. It is the main economic activity within the region. This industry made a drastic recovery late last year when significant exports were shipped to Mexico and Cuba. Farmers on the other hand, now want their share of the benefits, primarily an increase in the price paid per bag of paddy.

Kaieteur News understands that farmers in Region Two are currently being paid $2,800 per bag of paddy graded at level ‗A‘, ‗B‘ and ‗C‘. This is already a significant increase as compared to just $2000 during 2015, when Guyana lost the Venezuelan Market. Yesterday, however, rice farmers appealed to a rice miller that they be paid $3000 per bag of paddy. This request comes primarily as the rice harvest in Region Two is just days away.

The miller noted that while he is more than willing to pay $3000 per bag of paddy, there is a heavy cost attached to freight. The miller, who happens to own one of the largest rice mills on the Essequibo Coast, said that the ferry toll per bag of paddy is $300 per ton.

The miller added, ―Our freight from Essequibo to Georgetown is a problem because we have to pay both a ferry toll, and a toll at the Demerara Harbor Bridge. A couple of days ago our group shipped from Georgetown 20,000 tons of rice, and that never happened…Our problem here is that we can‘t even carry a 1,000 tons from Essequibo via vessel.‖ He further explained that the Essequibo River would require some amount of dredging, so that the company can move ahead in loading containers from right in Essequibo. The miller further reiterated that before famers can enjoy an increase in paddy price, vessels need to start docking in Essequibo in an effort to cut transportation cost.

Kaieteur News was told that before docking can commence in Region Two, permission must first be sought from the Transport and Harbor Department and the Maritime Administration. Representatives from GRDB, who included Essequibo‘s branch manager, Devindranauth Singh, assured farmers that the river dredging would be pursued by the Board. [Romario Blair.]

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